UE coach Derrick Pumaren. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Derrick Pumaren has been relieved as the head coach for University of the East.
Sources close to the situation bared that the amiable bench tactician has been sacked from his post on Tuesday, ending his four-year tenure at the helm for the Red Warriors.
Pumaren, who is affectionately called “Manong” by his peers and players alike, amassed a 21-35 record for UE since taking over from Boycie Zamar in UAAP Season 77.
In his first year for the Red Warriors, he steered the Roi Sumang-led squad to a 9-5 slate but fell to NU in a fourth place playoff.
The team has not seen the Final Four in the following seasons, but UE did get a share of the limelight this UAAP Season 80.
Despite the team racking up a 3-11 record to once again finish at seventh place, the Red Warriors still made waves largely thanks to the offensive outbursts of Alvin Pasaol, who once posted 49 points in a loss against La Salle in the first round.
It also seemed that Pumaren discovered the fountain of youth as seen in his trendy attires through the course of this last campaign.
Another reliable source who refused to be named shared that Pumaren was terminated effective November 20, but the school will still honor his contract until April next year.
Pumaren had earlier hinted the possibility of leaving the Red Warriors after their last game against UST.
“I don’t know (if I’ll come back), really. I still have to see what’s the direction of the UE management for next season and I have to think about that,” he said.