Derrick Pumaren

Derrick Pumaren

Discovery Perlas Rizal
Position	Head coach
League	WMPBL
Personal information
Nationality	Filipino
Career information
College	UE
Coaching career	1983–present
Career history
As a coach:
1983–1990	Magnolia/Lagerlite
1986–1991	De La Salle
1985; 1987–1989	San Miguel Beermen (assistant)
1986	Tanduay Rhum Makers (assistant)
1986	Magnolia Cheese Makers
1989	Philippines
1991–1992	Triple-V Foodmasters
1990–1994	Pepsi Hotshots/7-Up Uncolas
1994–1997	Sunkist Orange Juicers/Pop Cola Bottlers
1997	Mobiline Phone Pals (assistant/co-head coach)
1998	Sta. Lucia Realtors
1999–2000	Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs
2001	Tanduay Rhum Masters
2002–2003	FedEx Express
2004–2008	UE (team consultant)
2006–2008	Talk 'N Text Phone Pals
2008–2014	Hong Kong (team consultant)
2014–2017	UE
2018–2019	CEU
2020–2022	De La Salle
2025–	Discovery–Rizal
Career highlights
As head coach: 2× PBA champion (1995 All-Filipino, 1995 Commissioner's Cup) PBA Coach of the Year (1995) 3× PBA All-Star Game head coach (1993, 1995, 1998) 2× UAAP champion (1989, 1990) 9× PBL champion (1986 Founder's Cup, 1987 Maharlika Cup, 1988 Freedom Cup, 1989 Invitational Cup, 1989 Maharlika Cup, 1990 Maharlika Cup, 1991 Challenge Cup, 1991–92 Philippine Cup, 1992 Invitational Cup) PBA D-League champion (2022 Aspirants') As assistant coach: 7× PBA champion (1986 Reinforced, 1986 All-Filipino, 1987 Reinforced, 1988 Open, 1988 Reinforced, 1989 Open, 1989 All-Filipino, 1989 Reinforced) Grand Slam champion (1989) As player: UAAP champion (1978)
Medals Men's Basketball Head coach for Philippines Southeast Asian Games 1989 Kuala Lumpur team

Frederick "Derrick" Santos Pumaren, is a Filipino basketball coach who was recently the coach of the De La Salle Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). He coached several teams in the UAAP, PBA, and PBL.

Playing career

Collegiate career

Pumaren was a member of the UE Red Warriors 1978 championship team.

Coaching career

Magnolia (PBL) head coach (1983–1990)

While being an assistant, Pumaren led the Magnolia to six Philippine Amateur Basketball League championship.

Assistant coach (1985–1989)

Pumaren was hired an assistant coach for San Miguel Beermen led by then import-coach Norman Black. But when the People Power Revolution occurred and the Beermen was left the league for a while, he worked for Tanduay Rhum Makers under coach Arturo Valenzona and won back-to-back championship in 1987, but lost in the third conference and spoiled their chance to swipe the prestigious Grand slam. He returned as an assistant coach in 1987. When Norman Black returned, this time as a full-time head coach, Pumaren helped the Beermen to win four championships, including the 1989 grand slam.

Magnolia head coach (1986)

In 1986, the Magnolia/SMB returned to the league in the last conference of the season, Pumaren was appointed as head coach, but placed last in the standings.

La Salle (1986–1991)

Pumaren became the head coach for the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP from 1986 to the early 90s, piloting the team to its first UAAP finals appearance in 1988, ^[1] and first championship in 1989 and repeating in 1990. ^[2] He also called the shots for the 1991 La Salle team in a controversial UAAP championship game win over FEU in 1991. ^[3]

Philippine team (1989)

Pumaren led the Philippine team (RP-5) into a silver finish against Malaysia in 1989 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games. ^[4]

Triple-V (1991–1992)

Pumaren led Triple-V Restaurant into three PABL championships. ^[5]

Pepsi (1990–1994)

Pumaren was hired by Pepsi Hotshots to replace legendary PBA head coach Ed Ocampo. Pumaren led his team to a finals appearance in 1992 PBA Third Conference finals as 7Up Uncolas, but swept by Swift. ^[6]

Sunkist Orange Juicers and success (1995–1996)

Pumaren was hired as Swift Mighty Meaties/Hotdogs head coach. In 1995, Swift changed its name to Sunkist Orange Juicers and he led his team to two championships (defeating Alaska Milkmen in both finals series), but lost in the last conference. ^[7] He won Coach of the Year (COY) Award in the same season. But in 1996, the success was not doubled, even assisted by legendary coach Turo Valenzona. ^[8]

Co-coach at Mobiline (1997)

Pumaren was hired as co-coach for Mobiline Phone Pals with Tommy Manotoc. ^[9] But their partnership did not bear any championship appearance.

Sta. Lucia Realtors (1998)

He replaced Chot Reyes as head coach of the Sta. Lucia Realtors. ^[10] He led the team to a semi-finals appearance in 1998 PBA All-Filipino Cup.

Purefoods (1999–2000)

He replaced future PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa as Purefoods head coach. One of the trades under him was trading away Defense Minister Jerry Codiñera to the Mobiline Phone Pals to get the 6'9 center Andy Seigle. In 2000, Pumaren led Purefoods to two finals appearances, first in All-Filipino Cup ^[11] and the last was in the Governors' Cup. ^[12]

Tanduay and FedEx (2001–2003)

He coached the Tanduay Rhum Masters on its last season in the league. ^[13] When Bert Lina acquired the team, Pumaren and some players are carried over to the FedEx Express. In 2003, he was sacked and replaced by Bonnie Garcia. ^[14]

Consultant for UE (2004–2008)

When his brother Dindo Pumaren was hired as head coach of UE Red Warriors, Pumaren was hired as team consultant. ^[15] He helped the team to reach Final Four in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008. He also helped the team to get a 14-0 elimination sweep that gave them to chance to skip the Final Four and advance to the finals in 2007, but got swept by the returning De La Salle Green Archers (who were suspended the previous year) in the finals led by their brother Franz Pumaren.

Talk 'N Text (2006–2008)

Pumaren was hired by Talk 'N Text Phone Pals in 2005–06 season as their consultant, but later became head coach in 2006 Philippine Cup. ^[16] He led his team to 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference finals, but lost to Alaska Aces led by ex Phone Pals Willie Miller. ^[17] But after the finals appearance, they suffered some losses led to rumors of team management firing him and his staff, but after a meeting with the players, it was decided to defer the decision until after the next tournament, the 2008 PBA Fiesta Conference. ^[18] He was later replaced by Chot Reyes. ^[19]

Hong Kong (2008–2014)

Pumaren served as team consultant to Hong Kong. ^[20]

UE (2014–2017)

Pumaren was hired by UE Red Warriors as head coach, and led his team to a 4th seed playoff game against the eventual champions NU Bulldogs, but lost. UE struggled and did not qualify for the next seasons that led him to resign. ^[21]

CEU Scorpions (2018–2019)

Pumaren was hired by CEU Scorpions as head coach, and led his team to a better performance in Universities and Colleges Basketball League, but once lost to Olivarez College in a semi-final game. In 2019 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup, he led the Scorpions to be a great performing team, but lost to Ateneo Blue Eagles 3 games to 1. ^[22]

Return to La Salle (2020–2022)

In 2020, he returned as head coach for the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP, replacing Gian Nazario. ^[23] In December 2022, La Salle opted not to renew Pumaren's contract. ^[24]

Discovery–Rizal (2025–)

Pumaren joined the Discovery Perlas Rizal of the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) 2025 regular season. This is his first time for him to coach a women's team. ^[25]

Coaching record

Collegiate record

Season	Team	Elimination round					Playoffs
		GP	W	L	PCT	Finish	GP	W	L	PCT	Results
1986	DLSU	14	4	10	.286	6th	–	–	–	–	Eliminated
1987	DLSU	14	6	8	.429	5th	–	–	–	–	Eliminated
1988	DLSU	14	11	3	.786	2nd	1	0	1	.000	Runner-up
1989	DLSU	14	11	3	.786	2nd	2	2	0	1.000	Champions
1990	DLSU	14	11	3	.786	1st	2	1	1	1.000	Champions
1991	DLSU	14	12	2	.857	1st	2	1	1	.500	Forfeiteda
2014	UE	14	9	5	.643	5th	1	0	1	.000	4th-seed playoff
2015	UE	14	6	8	.429	6th	–	–	–	–	Eliminated
2016	UE	14	3	11	.214	7th	–	–	–	–	Eliminated
2017	UE	14	3	11	.214	7th	–	–	–	–	Eliminated
2021	DLSU	14	9	5	.643	3rd	2	1	1	.500	Semifinals
2022	DLSU	14	7	7	.500	5th	1	0	1	.000	4th-seed playoff
Totals		84	37	47	.440		9	4	5	.444	2 championships

^aWon UAAP Championship but forfeited and the 1991 title was later awarded to FEU

Professional record

Season	Conference	Team	Elimination/classification round					Playoffs
			GP	W	L	PCT	Finish	GP	W	L	PCT	Results
1991	First	Pepsi	11	4	7	.364	8th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	All-Filipino		11	3	8	.273	8th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Third		11	8	3	.727	1st	11	4	7	.363	Fourth place
1992	First	7-Up	11	4	7	.364	7th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	All-Filipino		10	6	4	.600	4th	12	6	6	.500	Fourth place
	Third		11	7	4	.636	2nd	13	6	7	.461	Runner-up
1993	All-Filipino Cup	Pepsi	10	3	7	.300	7th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Commissioner's Cup		11	3	8	.273	7th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Governors' Cup		10	7	3	.700	4th	11	4	7	.363	Fourth place
1994	All-Filipino Cup	Pepsi	10	3	7	.300	7th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Commissioner's Cup		11	2	9	.182	8th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Governors' Cup	Swift	10	6	4	.600	3rd	15	8	7	.533	Runner-up
1995	All-Filipino Cup	Sunkist	10	7	3	.700	1st	15	10	5	.667	Champions
	Commissioner's Cup		10	9	1	.900	1st	16	10	6	.625	Champions
	Governors' Cup		10	8	2	.800	1st	11	5	6	.454	Third place
1996	All-Filipino Cup	Sunkist	14	4	10	.400	7th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Commissioner's Cup		10	5	5	.500	6th	1	0	1	.000	Semifinal playoff
	Governors' Cup		11	5	6	.455	5th	2	1	1	.500	Quarterfinals
1998	All-Filipino Cup	Sta. Lucia	11	5	6	.455	3rd	12	7	5	.583	Fourth place
	Commissioner's Cup		11	4	7	.364	8th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Centennial Cup		8	1	7	.125	8th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Governors' Cup		7	5	2	.714	7th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
1999	All-Filipino Cup	Purefoods	16	7	9	.438	7th	2	1	1	.500	Quarterfinals
	Commissioner's Cup		8	3	5	.375	7th	2	1	1	.500	Quarterfinals
	Governors' Cup		8	7	1	.875	1st	5	1	4	.200	Fourth place
2000	All-Filipino Cup	Purefoods	14	8	6	.571	4th	11	5	6	.454	Runner-up
	Commissioner's Cup		9	4	5	.444	5th	1	0	1	.000	Quarterfinals
	Governors' Cup		9	5	4	.556	4th	11	5	6	.454	Runner-up
2001	All-Filipino Cup	Tanduay	14	5	9	.357	9th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
	Commissioner's Cup		9	3	6	.333	7th	1	0	1	.000	Quarterfinals
	Governors' Cup		13	5	8	.385	9th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
2002	Governors' Cup	FedEx	11	6	5	.545	5th	1	0	1	.000	Quarterfinals
	Commissioner's Cup		10	6	4	.600	6th	2	1	1	.500	Quarterfinals
	All-Filipino Cup		9	1	8	.111	10th	—	—	—	—	Eliminated
2003	All-Filipino Cup	FedEx	18	10	8	.556	2nd (B)	3	1	2	.333	Quarterfinals
	Invitational		4	3	1	.750	1st (A)	2	1	1	.500	Third place
	Reinforced		13	5	8	.385	2nd (A)	2	0	2	.000	Quarterfinals
2005–06	Philippine Cup	Talk 'N Text	16	6	10	.374	8th	3	1	2	.333	Quarterfinals
2006–07	Philippine Cup	Talk 'N Text	18	10	8	.556	4th	11	6	5	.545	Third place
	Fiesta		18	11	7	.611	4th	16	9	7	.563	Runner-up
2007–08	Philippine Cup	Talk 'N Text	18	9	9	.500	6th	1	0	1	.000	First wildcard round
	Fiesta		18	9	9	.500	7th	2	1	1	.500	Second wildcard round
Totals			476	232	250	.487		195	94	101	.482	2 championships

National team record

Tournament	Team	GP	W	L	PCT	Finish	Results
1989 SEA Games	Philippines	4	3	1	.750	2nd	Silver medal

The Pumaren Family

• His father is Pilo Pumaren (Former UE Red Warrior), who also served as an assistant coach under Norman Black to the San Miguel Beermen. He also played for the UE Red Warriors.
• He has two younger brothers who were both PBA players whom he had coached: Franz Pumaren (former La Salle Green Archer), who played for the San Miguel Beermen and Mobiline Phone Pals, he later inherited Derrick's head coaching duties in the UAAP and the PBL. Franz would go on to win the most college basketball titles in the modern era (post-EDSA). The youngest brother is Dindo Pumaren, who played for and won multiple championships with the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs and Pepsi, former head coach of the UE Red Warriors and DLSU Green Archers in the UAAP. Dindo is considered one of the game's greatest point guards in the same breath as peers such as Olsen Racela and Ronnie Magsanoc.

References

1. "Meet the star guard who led Ateneo to first UAAP finals victory over rival La Salle". Spin.ph. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
2. Tupas, Cedelf P. (January 7, 2020). "Derrick Pumaren returns as La Salle head coach". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
3. "Remember this strange end to the FEU vs La Salle finals in 1991?". Spin.ph. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
4. Henson, Joaquin M. "Coach recalls beating Pinoys". Philstar.com. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
5. "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
6. "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
7. "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
8. "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
9. "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
10. "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
11. "Philippine Daily Inquirer - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
12. "Philippine Daily Inquirer - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
13. "Philippine Daily Inquirer - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
14. "Philippine Daily Inquirer - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
15. Cordero, Abac. "Pumaren vs Pumaren in UE vs DLSU". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
16. "It's Derrick, not Chot at TnT". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
17. "The Manila Times - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
18. "ABS-CBN Interactive". archive.ph. July 9, 2007. Archived from the original on July 9, 2007. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
19. Cordova, Calvin (October 27, 2008). "We're stronger". Inquirer . Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved August 30, 2010.
20. "Hong Kong could also cause reeling Gilas some problems, says Derrick Pumaren". Spin.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
21. "Derrick Pumaren admits parting of ways with UE Red Warriors". Spin.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
22. Bacnis, Justine (May 15, 2020). "Derrick Pumaren looks back on the last team that beat Ateneo -- the 7-man CEU Scorpions". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
23. Tupas, Cedelf P. (January 7, 2020). "Derrick Pumaren returns as La Salle head coach". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
24. Li, Matthew (December 27, 2022). "La Salle makes decision not to renew Pumaren for UAAP 86". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
25. Tuazon, Ernest (August 3, 2025). "Derrick Pumaren embraces new chapter in women's hoops with Discovery-Rizal". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved August 4, 2025.

External links

Preceded by first	Magnolia/Lagerlite head coach 1983-1991	Succeeded by Franz Pumaren
Preceded by Joaqui Trillo (NCAA)	La Salle Green Archers head coach 1986-1991	Succeeded by Gabby Velasco
Preceded by Nat Canson (first stint)	Magnolia Cheese head coach 1986	Succeeded by Norman Black
Preceded by Ed Ocampo Norman Black Joel Banal	Talk 'N Text/Mobiline/Pepsi head coach 1993-1994; 1997; 2006-2008	Succeeded by Yeng Guiao Tommy Manotoc Chot Reyes
Preceded by Yeng Guiao	Sunkist/Swift/Pop Cola head coach 1995-1996	Succeeded by Turo Valenzona
Preceded by Chot Reyes	Sta. Lucia Realtors head coach 1998	Succeeded by Adonis Tierra
Preceded by Chito Narvasa	Purefoods TJ Hotdogs head coach 1999-2000	Succeeded by Eric Altamirano
Preceded by Alfrancis Chua	Tanduay Rhum Masters head coach 2001	Succeeded by Final
Preceded by first	FedEx Express head coach 2002-2003	Succeeded by Bonnie Garcia
Preceded by Boysie Zamar	UE Red Warriors head coach 2014-2017	Succeeded by Joe Silva
Preceded by Gian Nazario	La Salle Green Archers head coach 2020-2022	Succeeded by Topex Robinson