Day by day
Aldin Ayo has decided that he will no longer be part of the De La Salle University Green Archers during their 2018 campaign, as he has elected to steer the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers for the 81st season of the UAAP, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation.
Though Ayo had made it known that he wanted to stay during the team’s gathering last December 19, held at the Filoil/Total head office in Taguig City, the two-time collegiate champion coach had a change of heart last December 26. Ayo had apparently told team officials that he will leave La Salle and join UST.
“He did not honor his word,” said one of the sources, who asked to be anonymous.
After La Salle’s Game Three loss to the Ateneo de Manila University, Ayo did not confirm nor deny the rumors of his transfer to UST after the season.
“I don’t want to comment on that,” he said. “Actually, I have lots of friends in UST. Yung pari na nagdala sa akin dito sa Manila, he’s in UST. Yung adviser ko sa thesis ko, he’s a Dominican, he’s also in UST. There are lots of priests na nandun sa UST na friends ko pati alumni.
“Pero regarding sa issue na yun, I don’t want to comment on that.”
Last December 20, La Salle released a statement, saying that the school and the community are still behind Ayo.
“Management is firmly behind coach Aldin Ayo and his staff as we start the process of rebuilding for the future,” read the statement that was released by the team and seconded by school officials.
In his two year stay in La Salle, Ayo ended up with a UAAP championship in Season 79 and a silver finish a year later.
Deputy assistant coach Louie Gonzalez will be elevated to the position of interim head coach as the team returns to practice on January 16, 2018, to prepare for the 2018 PCCL National Collegiate Championship.
“We have no other choice but to move on,” added the source, as the Green Archers also lost Ben Mbala to the pros.
UST, on the other hand, are coming off their worst-ever season, having finished with a 1-13 record. Only Jeepy Faundo graduated from the team, while Renzo Subido and Embons Bonleon are set to return after a year of absence. – With report by Lorenzo del Carmen
