With the recent release of Kenneth Duremdes as the head coach of the men’s basketball team of the Adamson University, the team’s lead assistant coach, Mike Fermin, was promoted as the team’s interim head coach.
For those watching the 2015 FilOil Flying V Premier Cup, it is no surprise that Fermin was promoted to that position. During huddles, Coach Fermin, a former UP Fighting Maroon back in the 90’s, is the calming presence of the team. Moreover, according to one of the owners of Mighty Sports, a commercial league team that Fermin coaches, he is a good teacher and an excellent trainer.
But the news of Duremdes’ release came as a shock to the team’s staff as there was no sign that this was about to happen. Fermin told us that during the team’s first practice last Monday, it was a heavy feeling not to have Coach Kenneth around. Fermin though, followed the advice of the team’s former coach to stay with the team. “Kailangan ka ng mga bata,” Duremdes told him. “May system na kasi, we just need to polish it.” The loss of Duremdes was a huge blow to the basketball program of the Falcons. “Sobrang laki ng pagkawala ni Kenneth. Siya ang director, at siya ang nagdala ng piyesa.” In addition, he also busted the rumor that the former AdU head coach will pull-out his recruits. “Hindi niya hinahatak palabas ang mga recruits kasi ambag na ni Coach yun.”
During the team’s second practice last Wednesday, according to Fermin, the team has already moved on. “Wala kaming choice but to move-on with the pieces that we have.” He added that, “with each practice, we are improving. The players just have to work with the system and improve on our weaknesses.”
With his experience as the former assistant coach of the CEU Lady Scorpions, the CSB Lady Blazers, and the LSGH Greenies, Fermin told us that “sana sapat na iyon [his experience] para ma-lead ‘yung team. Only time will tell.” In addition, he vowed that if he becomes the team’s permanent head coach, he will bring in a staff that will help develop the team for the long run. If, unfortunately, he does not get the job and the team finds a full-time head coach, Fermin said that he’ll gladly stay with the team and help out.
