4 - peat could be Pumaren’s legacy to LS

His players were winding down a three-hour practice with a shoot-around late Monday afternoon when coach Franz Pumaren rode the bench, puffed some air, and willingly talked about La Salle’s chances against chief rival Ateneo in the best-of-three final of 64th UAAP season.

It was supposed to be a closed-door session at the team’s official practice court on the ninth floor of the year-old, multi-million-peso La Salle Sports Center just along Taft Ave. But Franz was just as accommodating as elder brother Derick, the former coach (1986-1991), who was also there as team consultant.;

Franz, who last donned the famous green-and-white jersey in 1986, is in his fourth straight championship appearance as La Salle coach. And the chances of winning a fourth straight crown — a feat never been achieved in school history — obviously are quite good, too.

"So far, it’s never been done here at La Salle that’s why I feel so blessed that I’m being given the chance to do it. You see, it’s been a roller-coaster ride for us this year that there were injuries to the players. We’re just so lucky that we were able to sustain the run," he said.

"There’s going to be the same outlook from both teams. Everybody’s been waiting for this match-up. Since last year, everybody’s been expecting us to meet in the final. Now the opportunity is here and we all have something to prove. It’s a rare opportunity for these guys to play against their archrivals."

It was in October of 1988 when the two teams — with probably the richest traditions when it comes to college ball — squared off for the title. The Eagles won that one, with a team led by Jun Reyes, over the Archers, led by the youngest of the dribbling Pumaren siblings, Dindo.

Is it going to be payback time for La Salle? Or will a fourth straight title remain a dream?

"Well, one thing’s for sure. It’s going to be tight. The way I look at it, the team that will be able to overcome the pressure will come out the winner. Ateneo playing La Salle even in a regular game brings in so much prestige and pressure. What more if you’re playing for the title," said Franz.

"And the crowd is going to be a factor. Like what I’ve said, it’s a scalper’s delight. The crowd is going to be an X-factor. Also, I don’t think our two victories over Ateneo in the elimination round will matter in this series. It’s back to square one. It’s zero. It’s anybody’s ballgame."

The coaching battle, according to Franz, is going to be as exciting since he considers Joe Lipa, in his first championship stint with the Eagles, a certified old hand in the business.

"When I was still playing, he was already coaching. In fact, he has coached against my brother Derick. I’m being pitted against a veteran coach. But as an individual, and more than a coach, I like challenges. That’s part of growing up and maturing as a person. It’s a welcome challenge and I hope to do well," said Franz as he rose from the bench to join his players on the court.