THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas on Saturday announced it was letting go of coach Aldin Ayo, who resigned in the face of possible sanctions for allegedly holding training sessions for the Growling Tigers in a Sorsogon “bubble” despite the pandemic.
The school expressed its gratitude to Ayo, who led the Tigers to the UAAP finals, where they lost to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, in just his second season with the team.
Also leaving with Ayo were assistant coaches Mcjour Luib and Jinino Manansala.
In a statement, UST said it would “remain committed to the welfare of the student athletes,” day after the UAAP Board of Managers submitted to the league board its recommendations following an investigation.
The school assured the UST community that it would continue rebuilding the men’s basketball program “through compassion and competence.”
Ayo on Friday confirmed to the Varsitarian that he had filed his resignation letter.
“I thank the UST community for their faith and continued support for the team. I ask for prayers that they, as well as I, may be able to recover from these very trying times,” he said.
Ayo came under fire for alleged training sessions in his home province despite the pandemic lockdown. The “bubble” came to light after team captain CJ Cansino was kicked out of the squad after a disagreement with the coach.
Cansino has since joined the UP Fighting Maroons, while four other Tigers quit the team as well.
Ayo was among the most sought-after coaches in collegiate basketball after leading the Letran Knights to the NCAA title in 2015.
He then joined the La Salle Green Archers and steered them to the UAAP championship the following year.
Ayo joined the Tigers in 2018 and signed a three-year extension in December 2019. Malic U. Cotongan
