Pumaren stands by move to rest ailing stars in no-bearing game vs FEU

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Adamson University head coach Franz Pumaren doesn’t care about what outsiders think of his basketball decisions in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.

The Soaring Falcons were already assured of the second seed, and a twice-to-beat advantage, even before their 82-56 loss to Far Eastern University and Pumaren decided to rest star players Sean Manganti and Jerrick Ahanmisi against the Tamaraws.

Manganti was suffering from fever and a sore throat while Manganti was nursing a sprained left ankle and Pumaren elected to have his two best players take the game off so as not to aggravate any health issues the wingmen may have.

“Given the scenario I don’t think any coach will force the issue,” said Pumaren Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena. “Any school won’t push their injured players because they might aggravate the injury.”

Pumaren was the target of a social media outcry, the platform itself being as nonsensical as the rant itself, for electing to rest Manganti and Ahanmisi as this led, what many believe, to a lackluster performance by the Falcons.

The Tamaraws’ victory allowed them to tie De La Salle at 8-6 paving way for a Final Four playoff between the two teams.

Still, Pumaren wasn’t the one to be concerned with statements from outside his circle and the UAAP.

Pumaren added his team’s position as second seed spot and 10-4 record are the product of their hard work.

“This was the reward for all our hard work and I don’t think anyone can take this away from us,” said Pumaren. “It’s nothing personal and for the longest time I’ve been coaching, I don’t rely on other teams because we write our own destiny.”

“People can be critical but they have to look at the whole landscape.”