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FRANZ Pumaren may have thought he had seen it all in more than decades as a basketball coach and player, both in college and in the professional categories.
But there are still some things that surprise him, such as the ‘bubble training’ that was allegedly carried out by the men’s varsity team at the University of Santo Tomas in Sorsogon at a time when strict health protocols are in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s amazing. We have certain rules to follow …” Pumaren said during an episode of Cignal TV’s online program Sports Page.
First, Pumaren, who won UAAP championships at La Salle before moving to GlobalPort at PBA and returning to college ranks with Adamson, is surprised that UST was able to bring their players to Sorsogon during the lockdown.
“How is it that they were able to travel from Manila to Sorsogon? You are not supposed to travel,” said the former San Miguel guard and Quezon City councilor.
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Lyceum coach Topex Robinson is equally stumped.
“It’s amazing that they were able to pull it off. You have to understand where they come from. They are hoping that everything will go back to normal as soon as possible,” Robinson said.
For Phoenix’s assistant coach, Sorsogon’s bubble is more “alarming” as it put young people at risk.
“Putting everyone’s life in danger is really alarming,” he said.
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Pumaren said he also understood the players led by CJ Cansino who spoke after the Tigers’ bubble training came to light in coach Aldin Ayo’s hometown of Sorsogon.
“It’s a different era. We have to understand [the] changing times, “he said.” Everyone is getting sick. You want a group of healthy players. Only one person will get sick there, all of that will have a problem. “
In the midst of the pandemic, basketball and much everything else should take a back seat to saving lives.
“Basketball can take a back seat first. For me, the mindset should be: we have to work as a team to make sure we survive this pandemic, so everyone stays healthy,” he said.
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