MANILA, Philippines -- Franz Pumaren underwent emergency surgery to remove kidney stones on Tuesday, the Adamson head coach confirmed after their UAAP Season 82 game against Ateneo.

Pumaren was on his way to Adamson's practice at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong when he felt "unbearable" pain.

"It was so excruciating, unbearable, so they had to do the surgery right away," said the coach.

He rushed to Medical City before being transferred to the VRP Medical Center, but was cleared to show up to Adamson's game against the Blue Eagles at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday afternoon.

Ateneo came away with an 80-74 win, but not before the Soaring Falcons gave them a strong challenge in the first half and again in the fourth quarter.

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"I'm happy with the way the coaches, the players prepared themselves today sa game," said Pumaren, whose team dropped to 3-6 in the tournament.

"Maybe at the back of their minds, me being the head coach made an effort just to be here, when in fact I'm supposed to be on medical leave."

Pumaren is now set to return to the hospital, but intends to be there for the Falcons next game on Saturday against National University.

"As a true leader, I don't want to leave them," said the multi-titled mentor. "As long as I can walk and everything, I can compete, I'll be showing up in games and probably in practices."

Pumaren's effort was hailed by Ateneo counterpart Tab Baldwin, who called the Adamson coach "courageous."

"I take my hat off to him as a colleague and as a great competitor. I wish him a very very speedy recovery, and I hope that he relaxes a little bit," said Baldwin.

"He needs to, he shouldn't do what he did today. God bless him, and hopefully we'll all keep him in our prayers."

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