MANILA, Philippines - After piloting La Salle to five UAAP championships in 11 years, coach Franz Pumaren has finally called it quits.
Sources yesterday confirmed Pumaren has resigned as coach of the Archers reportedly to pursue his plans of running for a Congressional seat in the third district of Quezon City in next year’s elections.
Under Pumaren’s watch, La Salle won five titles, made it to the finals nine times and the Final Four 10 straight times.
But the Archers failed to make it past the post season this year when they finished fifth in the ongoing tournament.
After La Salle’s unceremonious exit, Pumaren, currently a third-term Quezon City councilor, has indicated his plans to give up his coaching job to run for Congress.
A few weeks ago, Pumaren was still undecided whether to leave the Archers since La Salle has a number of talented rookies to boost its lineup for next year’s UAAP season which the Taft-based school will host.
Meanwhile, Pumaren’s younger brother and former University of the East coach Dindo is reportedly being eyed as his possible replacement after joining the coaching staff early in the season. – Joey Villar