The man supposedly "fired" by the RFM franchise in the light of Pop Cola's woeful start in the PBA All-Filipino Cup showed up in their game against Mobiline yesterday not knowing whether to be amused or irritated by it all.

"Medyo baliktad ang istorya," mused Pop Cola coach Derrick Pumaren as he categorically denied news reports that he has been sacked as head coach of the Bottlers.

Pumaren said that while the players were allowed to practice by themselves at the Cuneta Astrodome, he was having a meeting with RFM top honcho Joey Concepcion, team manager Elmer Yanga and assistant coach Hector Calma, contrary to published reports.

"Hindi ko nga alam kung matatawa ako o maiinis," said Pumaren, who, in the past has also been the subject of similar innuendos in the light of the franchise's poor performances, particularly last season.

Pumaren said that it was management's decision for the coaches and Mr. Yanga not to show up in practice to allow the players "to solve whatever problem they have."

"Para bang management feels that they've already done everything. It has talked to them, gave them all the support, and now this," Pumaren said.

The meeting, according to him, was basically about what should be done to arrest the team's skid. The Bottlers, after an impressive overtime victory over Alaska last Feb. 22, lost successively to Gordon's Gin and Pure Foods after leading in the final stages of both contests.

The man who has piloted the RFM franchise to a near grandslam in 1995 after a celebrated swap with Yeng Guiao, believes that the problem of the team is more mental than anything else.

"It's more of a lack of concentration. We don't really have that killer instinct now and the tendency is we're playing not to lose. We're not playing consistent basketball," he said.

"I don't know if its going to our head that everytime we win, we feel that we're so good, that we can take any team."

It was after that sorry loss to their corporate rivals Pure Foods that management decided to do something about the situation. He quoted Concepcion as saying that "what's the use of having a coach and an assistant coach if these guys don't wanna listen. Let the players solve the problem if there's really a problem. If there are a lot of egos, talk it over."

The Pop Cola coach bewailed the fact that having too many superstars in a team sometimes could work to its disadvantage.

"Para bang we're not as one. Pagdating sa end game, instead of going for the kill, we get killed."

By way of quelling reports that Pumaren is on the way out, Yanga said that their coach still has the confidence of management. Their absence in yesterday's practice, he said, was just a way of dealing with the problem.

"Espekulasyon lang lahat yon," Pumaren said. "If Im' gonna get fired, you guys will be the first to know." -MANNY ANGELES

March 03,1997
Gordon's Gin, Sta. Lucia clash in battle of leaders.

Pumaren on his way out?

March 03,1997
Alaska stops Gordon's streak.

Jaworski charms PBA reporters.

Alaska halts Gordon's streak.

March 02,1997
Gordon's Gin tests Alaska mettle today.

March 01,1997
PureFoods rips Alaska Milkmen, 88-63.

Gordon's stays sparkling clear.

New twist in Jacobs-BCAP case.

PBA twinbill in Pampanga.

February 28,1997
Gordon's Gin eyes 3rd straight win.

February 27,1997
PBA, BAP talks slated?

San Mig is the best-coached team in the PBA --Chot Reyes.

February 26,1997
Mobiline outlasts Shell in overtime.

Jawo Jr. gets all the breaks.