There’s a new Man of Steal in town
During his years with La Salle, coach Franz Pumaren has always had an irritant as the focal point of his defense, a point guard that will defend the entire 94 feet of the court. From Dino Aldeguer and Mac Cuan to Mike Cortez and TY Tang, the pressing guard has been the backbone of his “nightmare” press.
That’s why you can’t blame Pumaren for being hard on 22-year-old Jerie Pingoy.
“Lagi nga ako pinapagalitan ni coach kapag hindi ako nakaka-steal e,” shared Pingoy, who transferred to Adamson a year ago.
In his first year with the Soaring Falcons, Pingoy has usurped the crown of being the UAAP’s Man of Steal from Kib Montalbo as he is currently averaging 2.8 steals per contest — a full steal ahead of La Salle’s skipper.
Sunday evening, Pingoy was at it again against the UP Fighting Maroons, tallying six steals for the third time this season, to go along with 15 points and eight assists with no turnovers.
Pingoy knows that it can get frustrating for the student-athletes he is defending. Whenever it does, he simply tries to stay composed and just let the game continue.
“Sinasabi ni coach Franz, just play, wag niyo na isipin yun. Tina-try nila na sirain sa ganoon na plays. We’re just gonna play our game,” shared Pingoy after Adamson’s 86-70 win.
To that, the ever flamboyant mentor quipped, “Kung di ko pa turuan ng turuan, kung ano ano pa ang pinag gagagawa nito.”
Even with the averages, Pumaren continues to push Pingoy to his limit, believing that he can be one of the best guards in the collegiate game.
“He can improve much better than that if he’ll keep his poise, if he’ll sometimes put aside his ego,” the multi-titled mentor said, “We’re just scratching the surface of what he can do right now.
“If he will just follow what we’re trying to teach him, I think he will be a better all around player. In fact, Today I brought my old things I’ll be giving him so he can start emulating his game sa akin to become a better player.”
