Pumaren to win it all

THAT’S FOR SURE. BUT WHO BETWEEN DINDO AND FRANZ TAKES HOME THE SEASON 70 CHAMPIONSHIP?

By Reuben Terrado
Business Mirror
October 2, 2007

THE men’s basketball finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) between University of the East (UE) and De La Salle University (DLSU) will not only pit the two best teams in the league.

Just as interesting a theme will be the coaching battle between brothers Franz and Dindo Pumaren.

This is not the first time two brothers will meet in the finals. Koy Banal’s Far Eastern U swept Joel Banal’s Ateneo in 2003. But compared to the Banal rivalry, the “Pumaren series” has several other subplots.

After previous disappointments in the Final Four, UE erased past frustration by dominating the opposition and sweeping all its 14 games in the elimination round, giving the Warriors an outright berth to the championship.

De La Salle is coming off a much-publicized one-year suspension in 2006 and La Sallians want nothing but the title this year. The Green Archers fought long and hard, beating the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the stepladder phase in a series that went the distance.

After years of falling short—including back-to-back semifinal losses to FEU in Dindo’s first two years and a heartbreaking defeat against Santo Tomas U last season—the Warriors, enduring a title drought since 1986, want nothing less than the championship.

The Archers, who had to relinquish their 2004 championship in one of the most devastating controversies to hit local sports, want nothing but vindication in the form of a fifth title in the Final-Four era.

Then there is the match-up between the Pumaren brothers, whose rivalry dates back to their days as star point guards in their respective teams.

Based on statistics, Dindo, the younger Pumaren known as “The Bullet” for his lightning-quick moves in his 13 years in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), was the quintessential pass-first, shoot-second playmaker.

His averages weren’t extraordinary (7.6 points, 5.9 assists), but he is one of only a few players who have compiled at least 5,000 points, 2,000 assists and 500 steals while playing for Purefoods, Pepsi, Tanduay and FedEx.

Franz (7.4 points, 3.9 assists) played backup in the San Miguel dynasty in late 1980s to the early 1990s, but injury took a toll on a career that was stretched to 11 years.

While it took a while before Dindo was caught by the coaching bug, Franz jumped at the chance to become head coach of De La Salle that underachieved for seasons prior to his arrival in 1998.

Franz’s appointment has netted nothing but glory for a Green Archers basketball program that was one of the most popular in the country. Not counting the 2004 championship they rescinded, Pumaren and the Archers have won four titles and have placed runner-up five times.

Despite propelling the Red Warriors to the semifinals in each of his first three years, Dindo never reached the finals.

Until this year as the Pumarens face each other for the first time in the big stage.

Dindo holds a 4-2 career record over Franz.

“We will talk after the season,” said Franz, about his relationship with Dindo during the best-of-three championship series which starts on Thursday.

Franz said that he is looking forward to compete against his brother.

“This is a long overdue series with Dindo,” Franz, 44, said. “We should have coached against each other in the past.”

Dindo will be facing not only his brother but the team that he played for in college. But he said that it is not a reason for him to soften up against them in their bid for the title.

”When I signed a contract [to coach], Red Warrior na ako. Hindi na ako Archer,” Dindo was quoted in past interviews.

Dindo admits that Franz was one of his sources of knowledge since he started coaching.

“Even when I started, siyempre humihingi ako ng suggestions. Nakuha ko rin ang mga ideas niya [Franz]. Inaalalayan din ako ni Manong,” Dindo shared, referring to Derrick Pumaren, the eldest in the coaching brood.

“Noon , si Manong Derrick ang consultant nu’ng nag-start si Franz. Ngayon, ako naman dahil nagsisimula pa lang ako,” he added.

Franz said that he hopes that the Archers can shock the Warriors.

“UE is a well-rested team. You look at that team, man-for-man, they have the advantage. The second five could start. Hopefully we could surprise them.”

Dindo, 41, sees a little advantage in Franz mainly because of his experience. “One advantage is their experience. And I hope that the team could react in those situations,” Dindo said.

Franz assured that they will be very prepared going into their match-up against UE.

“Every game, I prepare differently. Of course, I do [have some surprises]. If I tell you now, Dindo will know,” Franz replied.

He has another sensible thing to do during this championship series. “I’ll try not to leave my playbook to my moms’ house. Baka makita niya [Dindo],” he said in jest.

Franz lives at the Ayala Heights in Quezon City, Dindo in New Manila and their parents, Pilo and mom Marietta at Valle Verde in Pasig City, and so does Derrick.

Dindo said that the team is eager despite a break that is nearing three weeks.

“Practices have been intense. Nakikita ko sa mga players na nandu’n pa rin ang intensity,” said Dindo.

In this championship series, the match-up between his brother is a sign of the success of the Pumaren system.

“Sa nangyari ngayon, dito nagpapakita ’yung Pumaren system namin. Like ang philosophy ko is defense leads to hard work. Halos sila rin ngayon, ganun,” said Dindo.

For Franz, he said that whatever happens, one thing is for sure—their parents will both be happy.

“For sure it’s going to be a Pumaren that will win the series,” Franz added.

And the prize for winning the championship?

“Wala pa naman. I guess my parents will treat the winner and the loser,” Franz answered.