THE UST Growling Tigers’ offseason has been eventful, to say the least.
A quick recap of what had transpired: CJ Cansino transferred to the University of the Philippines, Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao moved to De La Salle University, and Brent Paraiso and Rhenz Abando became Letran Knights.
Former head coach Aldin Ayo, who earlier resigned, was also banished from the UAAP.
But even though he has been made scapegoat for UST’s Sorsogon “bubble” mess, which led to the dismantling of the core of the team he brought to the UAAP finals last season, Ayo said he still took pride in his former players.
In a rare interview after his UAAP exit, Ayo defended his former players and said he still considered them as his own.
“They are still my players, although nasa ibang teams na sila,” he said in the radio program Power and Play.
“I became their coach and sa akin, gusto kong maging successful sila and I wish them luck.”
He also expressed support for the players’ decision to leave the team.
“May mga nagsasabi na may mga decision na hindi maganda ‘yung mga players, we have to understand also the players. Gumagawa din sila ng mga sacrifices, eh. And they took the risk,” Ayo said.
“Kasi kung tutuusin, okay na sila dito sa UST. Okay na sila dito. ‘Yun pag-alis nila, they’re going to take a risk, and pwedeng maging advantageous and puwedeng hindi naman,” he added.
Ayo however admitted that what had transpired since the Tigers’ massive fallout was “unfortunate.”
“It was very unfortunate for us because binuo namin ‘yung team na ‘yun. We sacrificed a lot. Maraming nag-invest doon sa mga players.”
“Pero things happened, eh. Wala ka namang masisisi, wala namang ibang dapat gawin but to move on,” he said.
Of UST’s UAAP Season 82 team, only league MVP Soulemane Chabi-Yo, Dave Ando and Sherwin Concepcion opted to remain.
What’s next for Ayo?
Having been indefinitely banned from the UAAP, Ayo was tapped to coach the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas team that will represent the Philippines in international FIBA 3×3 basketball tournaments.
“I’m very grateful because for me, this will bring another dimension to my coaching career,” he said during his introductory press conference.
“Throughout my coaching career, it was the full-length of the court, but this time will be different. I can’t wait to try out new schemes for half-court.”
Ayo will coach Manila Chooks TM, a rebranded Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup champions Zamboanga City Chooks.
But does the prized coach have his sights set on a UAAP comeback?
“’Pag dumating yung tamang panahon,” Ayo said. “Right now, one at a time muna.”
