By Jerome Lagunzad
Two-time collegiate champion tactician Aldin Ayo yesterday confirmed he has accepted a six-year deal with University of Santo Tomas, giving him plenty of time to help the Growling Tigers regain their lost glory in UAAP basketball tournament.
No less than The Varsitarian, the well-known school organ, broke the latest development through its official Twitter account (@varsitarianust), with Ayo adding the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) top brass will make an official announcement on Thursday.
The confirmation from Ayo, 40, put an end to months of speculations about his imminent transfer to the Growling Tigers, currently supported by FMR Corporation, the same group who bankrolled the Letran Knights, his alma mater, during their impressive NCAA title run in 2015.
As reported by Tempo-Bulletin earlier, Ayo was being wooed by UST team management to sign a six-year deal which will also allow him to take full control of the school’s juniors basketball team “to ensure the continuity of his long-term program.”
Expected to handle the Tigers Cubs, who have prized forward CJ Cansino in their current fold, are Ayo’s trusted assistants Miggy Solitaria and McJour Luib, a former Knights standout.
While he apparently had “different views” with La Salle management in terms of handling the Green Archers whom he led to the Promised Land in 2016, Ayo could be given all the keys in steering the Growling Tigers, winners of 18 UAAP titles who are coming off a forgettable 1-13 campaign—their worst-ever showing in school history.
With big man Jeepy Faundo the lone graduating cager from its previous squad, UST should be considered this early as the darkhorse with the return of sweet-shooting forward Embons Bonleon and spitfire guard Renzo Subido, who both sat out last season.
Main gunner Marvin Lee should be back for his fourth tour of duty while underrated wingmen Jordan Sta. Ana, Christian Escalambre, Regie Boy Basibas and Cameroon big man Steve Akomo are expected to make notable improvements, giving the Growling Tigers enough tools to contend for a Final Four slot.
Considered by many as a “player’s coach,” Ayo could prove to be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Growling Tigers since he has compiled a solid 30-5 win-loss record, including the playoffs, with the Green Archers who finished bridesmaid to archrival Ateneo Blue Eagles last year.
While Ayo enjoyed immense success in his two years at La Salle, UST, then under former Growling Tiger Rodil “Boy” Sablan, got mired at the cellar, winning just four out of 28 matches in the last two UAAP seasons.