Pumaren rejoins Adamson a day after surgery: I’ won’t leave them in heat of battle’

Adamson coach Franz Pumaren. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren was just a few days removed from surgery but he made sure to be on the sidelines when his Soaring Falcons faced defending champion Ateneo Wednesday in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament.

Pumaren underwent an emergency procedure to remove kidney stones on Tuesday but asked for clearance to join the Soaring Falcons, who made the Blue Eagles sweat despite the 80-74 loss, just a day after.

“The main thrust is to show the team that I won’t leave them in the heat of battle,” said Pumaren, who said he has to go back to the hospital for further assessment on his condition.

Pumaren said he was on his way to the Falcons’ practice when he experienced “pain so excruciating” that surgery was immediately needed.

The 55-year-old former PBA point guard was first rushed to The Medical City along Ortigas Avenue but had to transfer to VRP Medical Center in Mandaluyong to have his kidney stones removed.

“At the back of my mind, I, as a head coach,  made an effort just to be here when in fact I’m supposed to be on medical leave,” said Pumaren as his Soaring Falcons dropped to 3-6 for the sixth seed.

“As a true leader, I don’t want to leave them. As long as I can walk, I’ll be showing up to games and practices.”