COACH Franz Pumaren is glad to see the Adamson seniors play like battle-tested veterans and says he is eager to see the rest of the squad deliver as they try to extend their solid run early in the season.
Sean Manganti scored 22 of his 27 points in the final two quarters, picking up where Jerrick Ahanmisi left off after he scoring 13 of his 17 points in the first half as the Falcons won 90-76 over the University of the East Red Warriors
Papi Sarr, meanwhile, was solid the entire game, finishing with 15 points and 21 rebounds as the Falcons posted their first 2-0 start in the last 15 years.
“I guess they’re accepting their respective role as leaders. Prior to this opening of the UAAP, I sat with them, I talked to them about their roles. I mentioned to them that the young guys will follow them if they played well,” said Pumaren.
“The young guys will go with them so they have to lead not only by scoring, by defending. No they should lead by example,” he added.
Pumaren only hopes the Falcons can play consistently throughout the season.
“I guess we’re still waiting for the time that these guys can really play like an orchestra at the same time. I think that will be a fun thing to watch,” Pumaren explained.
“At least it’s a double-edged sword, it’s not purely a Jerrick or a Papi Sarr or a Sean, we want to establish something that we’re gonna win by sheer individual talent but we’re here, we’re gonna win because of sheer determination and teamwork offense and defense,” he added.
Pumaren reminds the Falcons there is much work to do.
“I guess it’s a bonus for us. Who would think that at this stage, we’ll be in this kind of position. But it’s still early. We just have to seize the moment,” said Pumaren.
“Seize the moment but not to feel that we’re so unbeatable or that we’re the top team. No, seize the moment like enjoy the moment. That’s why we’re here because we worked hard for it.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph