In fact, Pumaren says he left open a small window that could lead to a return to the Hot Dogs bench.
"Basketball is such a small world," he explains. "Who knows? Maybe, there will be a chance for me to coach Purefoods again, sometime in the future. You can never tell."
But for the moment, Pumaren’s focus is exclusively on Tanduay. He inked a three-year deal to coach the Gold Rhum Masters a few weeks ago and he calls the switch the biggest challenge in his career.
"Coaching Tanduay is a big challenge for me," he says. "When I left Purefoods, I left an intact lineup. At Tanduay, we still don’t know if Eric (Menk) can play or not. We’re rebuilding our team. While management is hoping for a championship, Mr. (Bong) Tan understands it can’t happen overnight. It will take time. That’s why I signed a three-year contract — we’re looking long term. My goal is to take the team as far as I can. We just want to survive the quarterfinals in every conference. If we make the semis, it’ll be like playing for the title."
Pumaren says he appreciates Tan’s support. "He’s hands on and very much involved," he continues. "He gives his inputs but allows me the final say. He cooperates with us."
A priority in Pumaren’s agenda is enhancing Tanduay’s image. "This is a fresh start for us," he says. "We met with Mr. (Wilson) Young, our Chief Operating Officer, and he told us the importance of creating a positive image for the team. For the first time, we’d like the team to be more socially-oriented, reaching out to the fans, especially the kids."
Pumaren relates that last Dec. 26, he verbally agreed to continue coaching Purefoods but never signed a contract. Three days later, he was informed by his agent Mike Gonzalez of an offer from Tanduay and asked Purefoods if he could think things over. Purefoods permitted him to talk to Tanduay. The next day, Pumaren updated Purefoods on his negotiations with Tanduay and said he was "seriously" considering the offer. Purefoods team manager Rene Pardo then informed Pumaren that the Hot Dogs could only offer a contract up to two years and said if he planned to leave, to advise him immediately. On Dec. 31, Pumaren went to Butch Alejo’s home in Quezon City and bid farewell to Purefoods’ PBA Governor. He later visited Montemayor, Alejo and Pardo in the Purefoods office to personally thank them for the opportunity to coach the Hot Dogs.
"Hindi naman bitter yung pagkaalis ko," says Pumaren. "At hindi biglaan. Throughout my talks with Tanduay, I kept Purefoods informed of what was happening. I admit I verbally agreed to continue coaching Purefoods at the start but I never signed anything. And I asked Purefoods’ permission to talk to Tanduay when Mike told me about the offer."
Gonzalez says the transfer to Tanduay was the best move for his pal. "Actually, I’d been working on the deal since last June," he reveals.
Pumaren says Menk’s status is still up in the air. Menk asked permission from Tanduay manager David de Joya to skip practice until he resolves his citizenship problem. He promised de Joya to keep in shape even if he’s not practicing with the Rhum Masters. The word is Menk will apply one final time for Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmation and if he’s turned down again, plans to appeal his case before PBA Commissioner Emilio Bernardino.
Pumaren says he’s coached Locsin, Webb, Realubit and Cariaso in the past so at least, he’s familiar with their style and vice versa.
On his first day at practice, Pumaren recalls about eight players showed up, not six as reported. Cariaso was still in the US, notes Pumaren, and Gayoso reported at the next practice before deciding to retire. Free agent Benny Cheng was at Pumaren’s first practice but he’s since been cut.
"San Miguel is the team to beat this season," says Pumaren, "because of its championship experience and it has the same lineup. Sta. Lucia and Mobiline got stronger. Alaska will be a team to watch and I expect Pop Cola to make a big move up."
Tanduay posted the second highest winning percentage last season under former coach Alfrancis Chua so Pumaren has a tough act to follow. But Pumaren says he feels no pressure – he isn’t promising immediate results. All he’s promising is the Gold Rhum Masters will be exciting, competitive, and good boys this season. Obviously, Pumaren is building for the future.