Aldin Ayo is walking away from La Salle and heading to University of Santo Tomas, after all.
In what could be considered as a stunning change of heart, Ayo, 40, informed the Green Archers management yesterday that he’s all set to take over the vacant coaching job on the Growling Tigers’ side, sending shockwaves on the entire local basketball field.
More than a week after spending a get-together dinner with top La Salle officials and apparently re-affirming his commitment for a third tour of duty with the Green Archers, Ayo made a shocking reversal by making himself available for the UST post left by Rodil “Boy” Sablan at the end of the Growling Tigers’ dismal campaign in the UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament.
The bold development also proved true earlier speculations linking Ayo to a potential transfer to UST, which is now being supported by FMR Corporation, the same group which bankrolled his successful NCAA title run with his alma mater Letran in 2015.
“Sources: UST backers in talks with La Salle coach Aldin Ayo to transfer to UST Growling Tigers. Ayo’s contract with the Green Archers ends on Dec. 31,” posted The Varsitarian, the official school organ of the Growling Tigers, on their official Twitter account (@varsitarianust).
According to an ever reliable source of Tempo-Bulletin, plans are also in place for some of Ayo’s assistants joining him at UST, with Miggy Solitaria reportedly being considered to run the Tiger Cubs’ juniors basketball program alongside former Knights standout McJour Luib.
Some of the current Green Archers could also join Ayo in the Tigers’ lair. Spitfire guard Aljun Melecio earlier tweeted of a pair of TIGER EMOJIS, only to delete it a few minutes later.
However, Louie Gonzales, Ayo’s top deputy since their stint with Letran, is staying put at the Taft Avenue-based school and will be handling the Green Archers on an interim basis after the Holiday break as they gear up for the Philippine Collegiate Champions League tournament in February.
Meanwhile, reports are also ripe that former La Salle stalwart and current Barangay Ginebra assistant Richard Del Rosario is being groomed as the possible successor of Ayo, with two-time Grand Slam tactician and Gin Kings coach Tim Cone serving as an active consultant.
Ayo’s impending transfer to UST should serve as another bitter pill to swallow for La Salle after reigning two-time league MVP winner Ben Mbala turned pro by joining Mexican team Fuerza Regia de Monterrey last week amid uncertainties over his eligibility next year.
The source added that Ayo’s decision “caught La Salle management by surprise” and even left chief patron Danding Cojuangco “disappointed and fuming as well after giving him all what he wanted and needed” during his two-year reign with the Green Archers.