All eyes were on the De La Salle University Green Archers before the start of its campaign
With a team almost intact from last season to the hiring of Aldin Ayo, the Green Archers were pressured to win it all even before the season started. But Ayo did not cave in to the pressure. And after steering La Salle to their ninth UAAP crown, Ayo finally felt relief.
“It’s a relief and at the same time you’re happy because nakikita mong madami kang napasaya. Napasaya mo yung buong community ng La Salle and for me it’s very gratifying kasi they gave me this opportunity.
“I was able to give back kung anumang favor binigay nila sa akin,” commented first-year head coach Aldin Ayo.
It has been a long journey for Ayo to reach this peak.
From a guy who started out in grassroots development, to have already won two collegiate championships at an early stage in his career is an achievement in itself.
“Masaya eh kasi galing ka dun sa pinakababa and makarating ka sa ganitong stage na on my first year grabe ang rivalry ng Letran and San Beda and now this La Salle and Ateneo,” the 39-year-old mentor shared.
“Sa akin mas na-encourage akong mag-trabaho. Naisip ko na mas madami akong matututunan kasi hindi ako makokontento dito eh. Mahal ko yung trabaho ko, mahal ko yung basketball at ito lang ang meron sa akin ngayon eh.
“I’ll make sure na mag-improve na mag-improve and make sure na given the chance na dito pa mag-coach, win another a championship,” the Sorsogon-native furthered.
Nevertheless, Ayo looked forward towards the future. He took pride on his record of winning championships in the first time of asking, but the Letranite wanted more.
“I’m going for the back-to-back, or for the three-peat, or for the four-peat because yan yung programa namin. Yung mga nandun sa bench namin, yung mga team B namin, naka-align yun para sa next year namin until the third year, fourth year.
“It’s not just about winning this season. It’s about the program, the continuity of the program which is to stay on top,” concluded the now UAAP winning coach.
Winning is addicting. If the man who rallied the Green and White to its latest title wants more, then you know that the Green Archers won’t rest until they achieve that feat.
