By Kristel Satumbaga
The casualty countdown begins for shell-shocked University of Santo Tomas as the dust settles after a best intentioned but ill-conceived Sorsogon training bubble imploded and brought the Growling Tigers’ house down.
The latest blow came on Saturday morning when the University formally accepted the resignation of men’s basketball team coach Aldin Ayo and his assistants McJour Luib and Jinino Manansala.
The development left the Tigers limping, their future uncertain as they are now without a full coaching staff and some key players following the early exodus of CJ Cansino, Brent Paraiso, Ira Bataller, Rhenz Abando and Jun Asuncion in the middle of the controversy.
Left in the Tigers’ lair at the moment are holdovers Soulemane Chabi Yo, Mark Nonoy, Dave Ando, Deo Cuajo, Migs Pangilinan and Sherwin Concepcion, who will anchor the crew along with Season 83 additions Paul Manalang, Carlos Sumabat, Bismarck Lina, Bryan Samudio, Christian Manaytay and Joshua Fontanilla.
Though a lot of changes could happen in the coming months – perhaps weeks – it is evident that the Tigers would have to dig deep to match or eclipse their stunning runner-up finish last season.
But question on whether the University would be sanctioned after the alleged violation of government health protocols needed to be addressed first.
According to sources, the UAAP Board of Managing Directors has recommended sanctioning Ayo during Thursday’s lengthy meeting. They have forwarded this to the UAAP Board of Trustees composed of Presidents from eight member schools, which will finally decide on the case.
Officials of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) Group and Commission on Higher Education have also agreed to submit a report to the Inter-Agency task Force on possible sanctions of the University after a separate meeting on Friday.
The JAO Group, composed of the Games and Amusements Board, Philippine Sports Commission and Department of Health tasked to oversee sports’ resumption during the pandemic, is also set to elevate the case to the Department of Justice.
