Unlike the majority of the La Sallian community who expressed regret the moment Tiebreaker Times broke the news that Aldin Ayo left the Green Archers’ head coaching job to jump ship to the UST Growling Tigers program, Ben Mbala kept it cool.
The Cameroonian is currently in Macau, as he and his Seoul Samsung Thunders are playing in the Asia League’s The Terrific 12 tournament, so members of the Filipino press took the opportunity to ask his thoughts about Ayo.
“Who am I to judge him or take a side on whatever he decided to do?” said the 23-year-old forward-center, who is now playing for the Seoul Samsung Thunder. “That’s his own career, that’s his own path. He has to do what makes him happy. If he’s happy with his new team, then so be it.
“I’m happy for him.”
Mbala has a particular bond with the bench tactician, having won a UAAP title together back in 2016. Moreover, Mbala became a dominant figure under Ayo, and two UAAP Most Valuable Player awards speak for it.
But now, should Mbala pay La Salle a visit – especially at the Enrique G. Razon Gym where the Green Archers hold their practices – Ayo won’t be there to greet him, as he is now in the realms of the Thomasians in España.
Ayo’s decision shocked the local college basketball scene, considering how he had turned La Salle’s fortunes around when he arrived. But the reason behind that move – partly – is his attachment to the Dominicans.
So for Mbala, he hopes for nothing but the best for his mentor, who has already brought his “Aldin Magic” to the Growling Tigers when they scored a huge 76-74 upset against a veteran-laden FEU Tamaraws just last week in the UAAP.
“I’m happy for him and may God bless him in whatever he’s planning to do for the rest of his career.”
