By Jerome Lagunzad
Despite their failed title-retention bid in the UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament more than two weeks ago, the Green Archers management has expressed their unwavering support to Ayo, putting to rest any rumors of his possible transfer to University of Santo Tomas next season.
“Management is firmly behind coach Aldin Ayo and his staff as we start the process of rebuilding for the future,” the team management said in a statement that circulated online yesterday.
The latest development could make La Salle players and its fans relax a little bit more after speculations of Ayo taking over the vacant Growling Tigers position intensified following the Green Archers’ Game 3 loss to archrival Ateneo Blue Eagles last Dec. 3.
That also suggests Ayo, who led the Green Archers to the 2016 UAAP crown, continues to enjoy the full trust and confidence of La Salle’s team management, led by top benefactor Danding Cojuangco who personally wooed him away from his alma mater Letran in 2015.
Ayo even spent some quality time with his players and several top Green Archers officials in a get-together party hosted by team manager Raffy Villacencio at the Corporate Center in BGC last Tuesday night, based on an Instagram post of veteran sportscaster Quinito Henson, a staunch La Salle supporter.
The statement also added that Ayo and his coaching staff will buckle down to work when the Green Archers resume their training session on Jan. 16 next year ahead of the Philippine Collegiate Championship League in February.
“We stand united as a team to regroup and regain the crown next season. We will reassemble to begin practice on Jan. 16 after the holidays and prepare for the PCCL National Collegiate Championships on Feb. 2-11,” the statement said.