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    UAAP preview: Franz counting on Ahanmisi to take Falcons to next level

    Can the Falcons make finals breakthrough after pair of Final Four stints?
    Sep 4, 2018

    [Editor's Note: This is the sixth of an eight-part special preview of the UAAP men's basketball season]

    Last Season: Final Four (9-5; lost to La Salle in semis)

    Key Holdovers: Jerrick Ahanmisi, Sean Manganti, Koko Pingoy, Jonathan Espeleta, Papi Sarr

    Newcomers: Jerom Lastimosa, CJ Catapusan, Jed Colonia

    Departures: Robbie Manalang, Tyrus Hill, Kurt Lojera, Dawn Ochea

    Head Coach: Franz Pumaren (3rd season)

    AFTER two Final Four appearances in the past two UAAP Seasons, it’s go time now for the Adamson Falcons.

    With their then young guns expected to blossom into full-fledged stars this season, the Falcons of coach Franz Pumaren believe they now have the experience and the personnel to make it to the next level.

    “I think we overachieved especially during our first season under my watch but basically our idea right now is to have a better finish than the previous two seasons,” said Pumaren.

    The Falcons will be led by battle-tested veterans Jerrick Ahanamisi, Sean Manganti, and Papi Sarr, who, aside from the UAAP, also gained experience from the team's stint in the PBA D-League.

    Koko Pingoy and Jonathan Espeleta are also set to be given more responsibilities with the departure of Robbie Manalang, while rookies Jerom Lastimosa and CJ Catapusan are also expected to play huge minutes for Pumaren.

    If their rookies live up to expectations, then the Falcons may be on the way to a breakthrough season.

    “I think it all depends on the adjustments of our rookies. As you can see, half of the team are all rookies. Basically, we’re just hoping the young guys can mature quickly and adapt to the style of basketball in the UAAP,” Pumaren said.

    “I think we’re aggressive compared to the previous seasons. We have young guys who are really willing to earn their spot and it’s a good sign. It’s a friendly competition among the different players. It pushes the veterans to excel,” he added.

    But from all of those, Pumaren is expecting big things from the former Rookie of the Year in Ahanmisi who has grown leaps and bounds through the years.

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    “Jerrick is a very special player. There’s no doubt that he can shoot the lights out. Basically, you’ll be seeing a different Jerrick. We made some adjustments with the way he shoots, hopefully he can lead by example. Jerrick is not an outspoken guy. Sometimes, I tell him that he has to be a little bit selfish,” Pumaren explained.

    “I’ve talked to him. He knows that very well that for us to reach another level, he has to start asserting himself,” he added.

    Pumaren isn’t promising the Adamson community the world, but what he can assure is that they’ll be fighting until the very end.

    If things go according to plan, then the Falcons could be on their way to their first championship appearance in the Final Four era.

    “We just have to be mentally tough. Physically we’re almost there. We just have to outwork everybody. For us to be really competitive this season,” Pumaren said.

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    “Probably each game we’ll be playing really hard. They will see that these guys will work hard to achieve their dreams.”

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