When Aldin Ayo left the De La Salle University Green Archers last December, the youthful yet decorated tactician cited two things that he was looking for that were not given to him – security and personal growth.
And by the looks of things, the University of Santo Tomas has granted him the two things that he’d hoped for.
According to multiple reports, Ayo has inked a six-year deal to coach the Growling Tigers. Late last week, he was then allowed to moonlight as the head coach of MPBL club team Muntinlupa Cagers – an unbeaten team in the Northern Division of the 2018 MPBL Datu Cup.
“Remember what I told you when I left La Salle? Personal growth? Ito yun. Kung marami kang cinoacoachan na ganito, you’ll learn e,” Ayo disclosed.
“Actually, kahit busy, kahit maraming ginagawa, I’m excited kasi natututo ako sa mga players kasi ibang level yun.”
Before taking the deal, Ayo had a long talk with the management of the Growling Tigers and the officials of UST. And they gave the 40-year-old native of Sorsogon their full blessing.
“Before I committed to Muntinlupa, I asked permission from managers, especially kay Fr. Jennel [Abugado], alam naman nila na kaya ng schedule ko,” said Ayo, who is making his MPBL debut on Thursday against the Basilan Steel.
“I’m used to this naman e, nasa Sorsogon ako nagta-trabaho ako twelve to fourteen hours, ngayon mga ten hours lang e. Okay lang din basta basketball.”
Besides relishing his reunion with former Knights Felix Apreku and Kevin Buenaflor, Ayo can’t wait for when he and his assistant coach Randy Alcantara face off.
“Actually pinag-uusapan din namin, pero very professional naman,” remarked Ayo, as Alcantara is the head coach of the San Juan Knights. “We’re gonna compete with each other.
“If it happens, for sure, we’re gonna bring out the best sa bawat isa sa amin.”
