When Jeffrey Cariaso was released by Converge as head coach on Monday evening, there was only one free agent coach who was suited to be the next in line — Aldin Ayo.
After all, Ayo has so much ties with the players currently signed to the FiberXers.
For starters, Ayo coached now-seven year veteran Kevin Racal in Colegio de San Juan de Letran, leading the school to the NCAA Season 91 championship
In the Knights’ Team B squad during that time was Jeo Ambohot, the third overall pick in the 2022 PBA Rookie Draft.
Also in the FiberXers are, of course, Jeron Teng and Abu Tratter.
When Ayo moved to De La Salle University prior to UAAP Season 79, he helped Teng find a whole other level, creating magic in winning that season’s championship. Tratter was also on that team.
Meanwhile, Justin Arana, the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, was momentarily handled by Ayo when he moved to University of Santo Tomas in 2018. Arana transferred to Arellano University soon after.
For Racal, he hopes to replicate the magic they did in the NCAA in the PBA.
“He wants his players to be ready to defend. Kahit sino pwede maka-score but yung defense ang importante,” said Racal, who flourished under Ayo in Letran.
“Hopefully makakuha tayo ng championship, and masundan nang masundan.”
Meanwhile, Teng is confident that Ayo’s system will easily translate in the pro ranks.
Ayo has made sure that Teng will realize his full potential now that they are back working together.
“I’m super excited to work with Coach Aldin again. Nag-sama kami noon sa La Salle and thankfully we won a championship,” said Teng, the UAAP Season 79 Finals MVP.
“So his system really works.”
Ayo began practices with the team earlier today. The Commissioner’s Cup is slated to open on September 21.
