As he faced the National University Bulldogs head coach Eric Altamirano on the big UAAP stage, De La Salle University head coach Aldin Ayo could not help but look over to the other side as he faced the coach who had given him his first break.
The now 38-year-old mentor was first discovered in Coach E’s National Basketball Training Center as he represented Sorsogon City. The NBTC was the program that helped Ayo hone his craft.
“Kung hindi naman nila ako dinala dito sa Manila tapos hindi ko naman nakita kung paano mag-coach dito, hindi ako makakapag-isip na pumunta dito,” Ayo shared after the Green Archers defeated the Bulldogs Sunday afternoon.
“I’m very grateful to coach Eric [Altamirano], Ma’am Marissa [Altamirano] and Coach Alex [Compton] because of their NBTC program.”
Altamirano was equally grateful for Ayo’s vital contributions to the program. He shared that the NCAA champion coach has been vital to the growth of the program.
“Si coach Aldin, we’ve known him ever since. Totoo yun. He was one of our local coaches sa NBTC when we were starting,” Altamirano reflected.
“We really appreciate his support. Di lang siya coach, siya din ang nag-fund ng team nya sa Sorsogon.”
The 50-year-old mentor admires Ayo’s dedication to the grassroots program, which is in line with the mission of the NBTC.
“Makikita mo yung dedication nya as a coach and as a person who loves to develop players in the grassroots level. I’m glad that he became a successful coach and one of the top collegiate coaches,” Altamirano furthered.
“He’s also a good person. Kami ni coach Alex sa NBTC, we really put a lot of emphasis sa character ng tao. We’re happy to have coach Aldin sa program namin.”
Ayo is hoping that the program continues flourish as it has become the medium for coaches to learn and break in the industry.
“Binibigyan nila ng chance ang mga coaches from the provinces na mapunta dito,” Ayo added.
