Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Despite parading an all-Filipino lineup, University of the East (UE) head coach Derrick Pumaren is confident his team is capable of pulling off surprises in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.
During the league’s press conference on Tuesday (September 1), Pumaren said they feel that they are “a better team contrary to what people think.”
He also promised that they will be “playing as a team this time.”
And if this is not exciting enough, Pumaren said they still have a lot in store for the basketball fans.
“We’ll try to surprise everybody,” he said.
Watch: We can surprise in the UAAP, says Pumaren
How? By reaching the Final Four, the coach added.
“(Goal is) still the Final Four. I’ll be lying if I’m not aiming for that,” said the veteran mentor, whose team lost top-caliber cagers like Roi Sumang and African reinforcement Charles Mammie.
“We still feel that we’re capable of making it to the Final Four despite having an all-Filipino lineup.”
For Pumaren, having a small, not to mention rookie-laden roster, is actually an edge in the league dominated by foreign reinforcements.
“I must say we’re a smaller team, but it is more of a strength for us. It is not a weakness. That’s how we’re gonna play this year: use our strength to the fullest,” said Pumaren, whose patented full-court pressure has been the hallmark of his coaching career.
And which team can halt his team’s surge?
