BASKETBALL will always be a part of the life of PBA star guard turned House Rep. Franz Pumaren.
Now in his first term as Congressman representing Quezon City’s 3rd district, Pumaren is helping keep the fire burning for a sport that has given him so much.
On Tuesday, the former San Miguel guard has booked no less than the Smart Araneta Coliseum as the venue for the championship game of his 15th Congressman Pumaren Cup pitting Barangay Balara against Pansol.
Also to be played is the battle for third place between Duyan-Duyan and Claro
Pumaren said the long-running league has served as the launching pad for promising players and has opened doors for some, more so since the participants are 18 to 30 years old.
“Marami kasing talent tayo sa basketball ang di lang nabibigyan ng break. So gusto natin na through our Pumaren Cup, mas mabibigyan ng confidence at platform yung mga unknown players sa lugar natin to be discovered,” said Pumaren.
San Miguel rookie and social media sensation Kyt Jimenez, PBA players Von Pessumal and Anton Asistio as well as MPBL starter Jeff Comia were among the players who had their start in the Pumaren Cup.
“Ako kasi when I was a coach, lagi akong nag-iikot sa mga tournaments even sa Palarong Pambansa just to get talents. Itong ginawa natin, mas mapapadali para sa mga coaches and scouts ang humanap ng players. Ang dami natin nyan dito sa Quezon City,” he added.
Big Dome finale
Asked why he chose Araneta as the venue of his event, the outspoken former PBA coach has one quick reply.
“Pagkasi nilaro mo sa malaking venue ang isang event nakakadagdag sa kumpiyansa at inspirasyon ng mga players yun. Eh ano kung mga barangay-based lang ang players namin.
"The fact na lalaro sila sa venue na nilaruan ng FIBA World Cup at ng PBA, ibang level ang pakiramdam nun sa kanila,” said Pumaren, who was part of several memorable games played at the Big Dome, both as coach and player.
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