By JEROME LAGUNZAD
University of Santo Tomas is buzzing with excitement following the arrival of former La Salle coach Aldin Ayo and the return of two key players.
Ayo, who steered the Archers to the championship and runner-up finish, has reportedly agreed to a long six-year deal with the Tigers.
His much-talk about transfer has rekindled hopes for UST which finished last season with only one win.
Returning to UST are Renzo Subido, a 6-foot-3 streak shooter; and Subido, a five-foot-nine guard who is expected to shine under Ayo.
After sitting out last season “so I can improve as a player in all aspects by focusing on playing in the(PBA) D-League against bigger and tougher players,” Subido feels he’s ready more than ever to play a big role on the Tigers’ campaign.
“I think i made the right decision,” he said in an online chat yesterday. “And now, I’m really excited to play for UST again and show what I got as a player and help the team win games.”
During his junior year back in Season 79, Subido showed glimpses of his true potential as he averaged 6.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals in just 16 minutes of play, providing instant offense off the bench.
Still good for two more years in the UAAP, the former La Salle-Zobel hotshot added he and his fellow Tigers could thrive in Ayo’s proven system – previously known as “Mayhem” during his two-year reign with the Green Archers.
“I’m excited to play for UST under coach Aldin. I think the type of system he has would suit the type of players that UST has. The team has a potential and with coach Aldin now being the head coach, it’s gonna be great for the team,” he said.
While the Tigers have yet to plunge back to practice pending the formal announcement of Ayo’s transfer next week, Subido said he’s been training with his current team, Marinerong Pilipino, which is preparing for the coming PBA D-League Aspirants Cup that gets going on January 18.
“When I get a call from UST to practice with the team, I’ll still practice with UST. And at the same time, I’ll focus also with Marinero,” he concluded.