Adamson coach Franz Pumaren. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Adamson’s run of three straight Final Four appearance ended in UAAP Season 82, but head coach Franz Pumaren knows it will only make his team better the next season.
The Soaring Falcons slipped to 4-8 at sixth after losing to Far Eastern U Wednesday, but even with two games left, they won’t get the minimum number of wins to join the semifinals.
Pumaren admitted that he was disappointed with how the season panned out, but he’s taking the early exit in stride.
“I think it will help us next year. It’s just like when you throw a young kid into a deep pool and ask them to survive that particular scenario it’ll make them a better individual and as a player,” said Pumaren Wednesday after the 63-60 loss.
Pumaren became Adamson’s head coach in Season 79 and the five-time UAAP champion coach’s ideals proved instant dividends as the Soaring Falcons played in the Final Four in that very same year.
Adamson steadily improved its win-loss record each year, beginning with an 8-6 card in Season 79 to a 9-5 slate in the next year.
The Soaring Falcons had their best year with Pumaren in Season 81 when they locked up the second seed with a 10-4 record but lost to eventual title runner-up University of the Philippines in the Final Four.
“When I came here to Adamson, it wasn’t considered as a contender. In fact, no team in the summer would practice with us,” said Pumaren who once led De La Salle to a four-peat from 1998 to 2001.
“Modestly speaking, with my assumption as the one in charge of the program, we were able to establish some respect with the other schools.”
Pumaren is confident that his young team, with six rookies this season, will do better in Season 83.
“I have a crop young guys that can be labeled as future superstars in the UAAP but the way I look at them they will be playing in the pros right after their collegiate years,” said Pumaren. “All of my rookies will be stepping up next year.”