Despite loss to UP, AdU now a member of UAAP elite

MANILA, Philippines — Reeling from their third straight Final Four heartbreaker, coach Franz Pumaren finds some consolation in winning back respect for an Adamson squad that used to be the punching bag of the traditional powerhouses.

“Not the result we wanted but it’s not the end of the world for us,” said Pumaren, the champion coach who took over three years ago to help turn AdU’s basketball program around.

With twice-to-beat advantage, the Falcons bungled their best chance to break a 26-year finals absence as they dropped two close games to No. 3 University of the Philippines to miss their targeted title faceoff with No. 1 Ateneo.

“UP showed their maturity especially their senior (Paul) Desiderio who took over and they really wanted it more and played with a lot of passion,” said Pumaren.

Looking at the larger picture, Pumaren said Adamson has already established itself among the elite.

“Modestly speaking, since I took over, I think we gained a lot of respectability. We put Adamson as a powerhouse in basketball, as a destination for high school kids who want to be developed,” he said.

He expects Adamson to come out of this wiser and tougher.

“This is just a hump along the way. It will make the team better, stronger individually,” said Pumaren.