By Kristel Satumbaga
LA SALLE officially announced on Tuesday the appointment of Derrick Pumaren as head coach of its men’s basketball team in the coming UAAP season.
The appointment was effective last Jan. 1 with Pumaren likely to face the gargantuan task of putting the Archers back to the top after the squad failed to make it to the Final Four the last two seasons.
In its statement, La Salle said: “The University welcomes back coach Derrick to the Lasallian community as he maps out the new direction of the Green Archers.”
A disciple of the revered Ron Jacobs, Pumaren started his coaching career at La Salle back in the 80s that saw the Archers win the UAAP titles in 1989 and 1990.
He also mentored the powerhouse Magnolia team in the defunct Philippine Amateur Basketball League before bringing his act to the PBA where he handled several teams, including Pepsi, Sunkist, Sta. Lucia, Purefoods, FedEx and Talk ’N Text.
After taking a rest, he returned to collegiate basketball by handling University of the East in the UAAP from 2014 to 2017.
Despite his guidance, the once feared UE squad had no success.
In 2018, he took over the coaching and managerial chores at Centro Escolar University with the Scorpions making heads turn in the PBA D-League and UCBL.
Coaches Gian Nazario and Jermaine Byrd, who handled the team last season, will remain as part of the staff as assistant coach and skills coach.
The last time the Archers won the UAAP crown was four years ago under then coach Aldin Ayo who has since transferred to UST.
With La Salle struggling, Ateneo, the Taft-based school’s chief rival, dominated the premier collegiate league for three straight years.
Expected to lead the Archers this coming season are center Justine Baltazar, shooter Aljun Melecio and guard Encho Serrano.
