Aldin Ayo and his Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 program were vindicated on Saturday evening after Cebu Chooks gave the Philippines its first FIBA 3×3 pro circuit title in eight years.
It was a momentous occasion for the team that has been questioned for its lineup and decision to bring in a 5-on-5-bred tactician.
For years, the Philippines has never won against a Mongolian squad. But in one tournament, the Philippines were able to do it as Cebu defeated Sansar twice (14-12 in the pool phase and 17-15 in the final) while Manila defeated Saisan in the pool phase as well, 21-17 (9:23.3).
Ayo, who has won championships in the UAAP and NCAA, said this one ranks up there in the championships that he already has in his belt.
“Every championship is special,” said Ayo.
“This one is special since we went through a lot during the last two years. The boys deserve this.”
Chooks-to-Go tapped Ayo to be its program head back in December of 2020.
During that time, Ayo had gone through trials and tribulations stemming from the alleged training bubble held by University of Santo Tomas in Sorsogon.
It resulted in the UAAP banning him while his players left the school.
The Growling Tigers have struggled since then.
Heading into the final day of UAAP Season 84, UST is holding a 3-10 record — second to the last in the league.
Ayo though has been keeping tabs with the team. After all, the current Growling Tigers team committed to the school in hopes of being handled by Ayo.
The youthful tactician is hoping that despite the demoralizing circumstances handed to them, the Growling Tigers finish strong against Far Eastern University.
“I wish them luck. Hopefully, they finish it well.
“They just have to play their game,” said Ayo. “Sana lumabas lang yung laro nila because those players can play, that team can play. And sana maglaro lang talaga to their best of abilities tomorrow.”
