For the last three years, Alvin Pasaol and coach Derrick Pumaren have developed a father and son relationship at the University of the East. So when Pumaren was let go by the Red Warriors’ brass last November 21, it was heartbreaking for the 22-year-old student-athlete.
But the two crossed paths once again on Monday afternoon. They were on different sides, however, as Pumaren is now the General Manager of the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, while Pasaol is playing for the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers in the PBA D-League.
The burly 6-foot-3 forward was limited to just three minutes of game time, drawing a quip by Pumaren.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Alvin. We were joking around nga na -– padaanan sana kita ng popcorn dun eh,” quipped the decorated tactician after CEU’s 104-93 win over the Marinerong Pilipino.
“Sabi nga ni Manong sa akin, ‘Ano? Ang init ng pwet mo no?’ Pero nagbibiro lang din,” recalled Pasaol.
Though he had little playing time in Marinerong Pilipino, Pasaol always calls to mind one of the important lessons Pumaren imparted to him: Patience.
“Kailangan talaga maging patient ka. ‘Di mo rin makukuha sa pangalan mo, sa anong nagawa mo. Kailangan talaga, hard work mo e,” expressed Pasaol, who is averaging 2.67 points and 2.67 rebounds in 5.3 minutes of action in three games.
“Kailangan kong ipakita kay coach Koy [Banal] na deserving ako.”
Pumaren believes that his former student’s new experience will only help him mature as a player.
Pasaol, on the other hand, was glad to see a familiar face watching over him even for just one day.
“Before the game, nag-usap kami, kumustahan, okay ba siya, meron pa ba siyang injury. Sabi niya, okay naman siya,” shared Pasaol.
“Siyempre, si daddy ko yun e. Na-miss ko yung daddy ko.”
