DERRICK Pumaren confirmed on Wednesday he has been released by University of the East as head coach of the school's men’s basketball team.
The veteran coach confirmed a SPIN.ph report that he has been relieved from a post he has held for three seasons. He politely declined to go into details on the parting of ways.
The Red Warriors went 12-30 (win-loss) under Pumaren but showed a lot of improvement behind high-scoring Alvin Pasaol, who highlighted his season with a record 49 points in a game against La Salle.
UE went 3-11 record this season, finishing one rung above last place.
Pumaren's dad, Pilo, and younger brother Dindo also previously coached UE's varsity team.
Pumaren, who has won titles in the PBA and UAAP, was adamant during his exit interview that he wants to know the direction of UE management regarding their basketball team before making any decision.
He also expressed the hope that the Red Warriors would beef up the squad by recruiting a foreign player. UE is the only UAAP squad without a foreigner in its current lineup or players' pool.
“We still don’t have an import. I still have to see what’s the direction of UE management for the next seasons. I have to think about it,” said Pumaren.
“I need horses, too,” he added.
However, sources told SPIN.ph UE management will stick to an all-Filipino line-up as the Red Warriors begin their search for a new head coach.
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