In his first three years as University of the East Red Warriors coach, veteran tactician Derrick Pumaren has always worn the same collared UE shirt paired with khaki pants.
But ever since the Red Warriors’ game against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers last October 7, the multi-time champion head coach seemed like he had just gone shopping at brands like Uniqlo or Cotton, On as he looked like a college student.
Pumaren downplayed it when asked about it multiple times, a few weeks back.
“Malamig kasi walang nananonood,” quipped Pumaren, as he was wearing a button-down, dark gray, long-sleeve polo with a red shirt underneath, paired up with faded jeans.
“Mainit dito sa arena [Filoil Flying V Centre],” he said when he wore a folded up, short-sleeve polo with a grunge shirt underneath, while wearing tight-fit jeans.
And even his younger brother Franz is taking notice of this, admitting that his brother is already giving him a run for his money when it comes to fashion.
“I’m being overshadowed na nga eh. Before they used to ask me about my clothes. Now, parang I’m a distant second na ata,” Franz said after the Adamson University’s 75-70 win against UST, Wednesday evening.
Many have pointed to youthful and energetic UE ace Alvin Pasaol as the main culprit to the sudden “millenial”-look of his head coach. Though not fully admitting it, the 22-year-old, fun-loving student-athlete hinted that he might have had a say in his coach’s wardrobe choices.
“Siyempre hindi ba kailangan ni Manong bumata?” said Pasaol.
“Sinasabihan ko nga siya talaga para bumata siya.”
Franz, on the other hand, would follow his brother’s lead if it will enable his team, the Adamson Soaring Falcons, to play inspired basketball.
“But whatever makes you happy, if it will energize your team, hindi ba, why not? Same goes with me,” shared Franz.
“If they can assure me that they’re gonna win with me dressing up loudly, I’m more than willing to do that to inspire them.”
For Coach Derrick, his look is not about being trendy nor about looking good. The message he is trying to send is simple: to bring the swag back to UE.
“Para sa mga players, you know as I’ve told the boys nung game sa UST that this is the start ng season namin, and we have to have swag,” Pumaren said as UE has gone 3-2 since that game.
“I have to set the tone.”
