Incoming Adamson University freshman Jerrick Ahanmisi tried out with various UAAP schools before finding a home with the San Marcelino-based squad.
“I guess I should thank the other schools for not giving him a second look,” first year Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren quipped about getting the opportunity to coach Ahanmisi. “They were saying that he was promising and has the potential but has to develop.”
Pumaren had nothing but praise for his rookie after Adamson’s 83-78 win over the Letran Knights. The former La Salle-mentor compared the rookie to Green Archer legend Renren Ritualo.
“With Renren part of my coaching staff, I believe that he can be the second coming of Renren,” he said after Ahanmisi’s 26 point-outing that included knocking down five triples. “The kid can really shoot and what more if he can develop his stamina. He can be a good player.”
“I would say it’s one of the best but there’s more to come, it’s just the beginning,” the 18 year old Filipino-American said about his performance that helped give Adamson its second win in the tournament.
Moreover, Ahanmisi is happy to have made the right choice in picking Adamson and going under the tutelage of multi-titled mentor Franz Pumaren. “He just tells me to be more aggressive, being able play defense, pressuring me really hard because the UAAP is really aggressive,” he said about Pumaren.
“I like his system, i like the way he use different players to our advantage, he knows how to use every player to their best ability.”
When told about what his coach said about comparing him and UAAP legend Renren Ritualo, Ahanmisi could only smile and said, “I think I can beat him in the shootout. I heard he is a great shooter but I think I can.”
Pumaren though warned Ahanmisi that he should grow into his frame to survive the grind of college basketball. “He just has to develop his body. I think he is slowly adjusting to college basketball,” he closed. “Downside with this though, with Jerrick playing well, is that he will be a marked man in the UAAP.”
