There were no greetings nor pleasantries exchanged between Aldin Ayo and Louie Gonzalez after the De La Salle University Green Archers’ 99-72 rout of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, Wednesday afternoon. Only a handshake was exchanged.
“Wala akong sinabi,” disclosed Ayo. Same with Gonzalez.
After forging a partnership that lasted for nearly-seven years, the two bright basketball minds were separated last December 26. During that fateful night, Ayo and Gonzalez — a duo that won two championships — have a difference in views.
Ayo went to UST while Gonzalez stayed in La Salle.
Two-hundred eighty-one days after that night, the two once again shared a basketball court. But they were not on opposing sides.
Gonzalez though did not let the emotions get the best of him, saying that he just treated the contest just like any other game. His motivation? To lead La Salle to victory as they needed it to go up the standings.
“Siguro entering the game, alam naman natin ang buhay ng coaches. So again, it’s Aldin or other coaches, siguro ako, ganoon pa rin naman ang treatment ko,” shared Gonzalez.
“Pipilitin kong manalo, pipilitin kong mag-compete.“
For his part, Ayo is no longer on speaking terms with Gonzalez or anyone from the La Salle side. Safe to stay, nothing will get in the way with the mission of the two men — not even friendship.
“Coaching, playing in basketball is like politics eh. Magkasama kayo pag parehas yung gusto niyong mangyari, parehas yung interes niyo. But if there’s conflict of interest, then it becomes different,” declared Ayo.
“You’re on the other side. Ganun lang yun. Ganun lang kasimple yun.”
