Coaches Pumaren, Robinson burst ‘mind-boggling, alarming’ UST bubble

Adamson coach Franz Pumaren. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren couldn’t wrap his head around the idea that University of Santo Tomas’ men’s basketball team allegedly held a bubble training camp in Sorsogon amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Pumaren described the reported incident, which is currently under investigation by the UAAP and other government agencies led by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for Emerging Infectious Diseases, “mind-boggling” as the multi-titled coach blasted the Growling Tigers for their negligence to the existing safety and health protocols.

“We have certain rules to follow. there’s the IATF, the governing body right now. First of all, the PBA just started their individual training last Monday so meaning, PBA followed the rules the recommendation of the health department, the IATF,” Pumaren, a five-time UAAP champion coach during his time with La Salle, said Wednesday during the latest episode of Sports Page.

“This one, why is it mind-boggling? First of all, how come they’re able to travel from Manila going to Sorsogon. we all know for a fact that you’re not supposed to be traveling.”

Travel restrictions have been imposed since the lockdown last March as a way to help slow the spread of the virus.

Putting the players’ health and safety at risk also did not sit well with another collegiate team coach in Lyceum’s Topex Robinson.

Lyceum coach Topex Robinson. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

“Obviously, it’s surprising that they were able to pull that off. But again, at this point, we have to also understand where they’re coming from. They’re looking forward that everything will go back to normal the soonest possible time. Maybe that’s what they’re thinking about,” he said.

“Putting the life of those kids in danger is really alarming. Again, we have to be reminded that you’re a parent and you don’t wanna put your child in that kind of situation,” Robinson added.

The fiasco has triggered an exodus of players from UST.

Five players, including former captain turned UP Fighting Maroon CJ Cansino and rising star Rhenz Abando, have left the team. Guard Brent Paraiso, Ira Bataller and Jun Asuncion have also packed their bags.