When the Adamson University Soaring Falcons defeated the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers Saturday afternoon, it marked the first time Franz Pumaren bested an Aldin Ayo-mentored squad.
But for Pumaren – who had been frustrated by Ayo’s DLSU Green Archers during the last two years – he did not enter this contest wanting to seek vengeance on Ayo.
“It didn’t even enter my mind to be honest,” admitted the five-time UAAP champion coach. “I’ve been in college basketball for so long.
“I’ve been coaching since I was nineteen years old. It’s part and parcel of coaching, it’s part of the job. Your going to play the whole seven teams. No biggie for me. We are still opponents in the court but off it, nothing personal.”
If there was one big factor in Adamson’s 79-71 win over UST, it was the Soaring Falcons’ defense. Though down by two players, the Soaring Falcons continued to press the Growling Tigers, forcing them to commit a season-high 27 turnovers. It led to 29 points.
For years, Pumaren’s press has been dreaded. But according to the veteran tactician, it’s not the same press that he utilized during his time with La Salle during the early 2000s.
“What’s so funny is people are saying that I’m using the same press, using the same system. But if you look at it closely, I’ve been adjusting my defense.
“It depends on my materials, it depends on the teams that we are playing. That’s the main point here. I don’t think we can outscore the other teams. I don’t think that we are individually talented as every player,” Pumaren pointed out. “We are here to make a statement with our defense. That’s the main focal point of our successful run at this stage.”
With this mindset, Pumaren has been one of the most successful coaches in the country. And if the Soaring Falcons continue to trust his process, they too will find success.
“For us to be successful this year is to continue what we are doing. We just have to stay the course, stay within the system and our program. No individual player can help us win games. It’s going to be a team effort for us to beat the other team.”
