Falcons tap Franz to turn program around

Adamson formally introduces its new head coach Franz Pumaren. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Adamson is turning to one of the most decorated coaches in college basketball to turn around a program that has not delivered a UAAP men’s basketball title in close to four decades.

Multi-titled mentor Franz Pumaren was unveiled as the new coach of the Soaring Falcons Friday, bringing with him an impressive resume that includes five championships with La Salle.

“We don’t run away from challenges,” Pumaren said at a press conference inside the Adamson campus in Manila yesterday.

“Each year, we are going to be competitive. We are here to give Adamson a championship.”

Pumaren will be taking over a program that last won a championship in 1977.

The Falcons’ last Final Four appearance came four seasons ago. They finished with a 3-11 record in Season 78, sharing last place with University of the Philippines.

“We are putting our full trust in Franz,” said Adamson president Fr. Gregorio Bañaga. “While we do not expect an instant transformation, we are optimistic that he and the coaching staff will build us back to become a highly competitive team.”

Also present were representatives of lighting and electrical brand, Akari, which is backing the Adamson program along with Metro Stonerich Corp. and Alliance in Motion Global.

Pumaren brought with him a star-studded staff that includes his former players at La Salle in Renren Ritualo and Don Allado.