Aldin Ayo inks 6-year deal with UST Tigers

MANILA, Philippines — After short stints with Letran in the NCAA and La Salle in the UAAP, coach Aldin Ayo is reportedly in for the long haul with his new team University of Santo Tomas.

Ayo, who called the shots for the Knights for a season and the Archers in two, has agreed to a six-year deal rebuilding the Tigers, per UST’s official student publication The Varsitarian.

“Former La Salle coach Aldin Ayo confirms he will coach the Growling Tigers for the next six years,” The Varsitarian posted on Twitter yesterday.

Ayo wasn’t entertaining media queries at present, apparently waiting for UST to make the official announcement. UST’s Institute of Physical Education and Athletics is expected to come up with a statement by Jan. 11.

Owner of one championship each in the NCAA and UAAP, Ayo hopes to bring his magic touch to a UST squad reeling from its worst season in the Final Four era.

The Tigers narrowly escaped a winless season and limped with a woeful 1-13 in Season 80, leading to the exit of coach Boy Sablan.

Ayo will reportedly have full control over the team during his tenure, a factor that apparently convinced him to bolt DLSU and jump ship.

With Ayo’s impending entry to UST and Louie Gonzalez’s promotion to the DLSU coaching position, only University of the East remained without a coach among the crop.

Derrick Pumaren had quit as Warriors coach after the last tournament and among the candidates said to be considered for the vacant position is Koy Banal.