DLSU's Cojuangco to meet with Ayo regarding transfer
All is not lost for the De La Salle Green Archers.
Amid reports that Aldin Ayo is leaving the Green Archers, top De La Salle University sports patron Danding Cojuangco Jr. is still going to meet with the coach that steered the school to its UAAP Season 79 championship.
In a story first reported by Matthew Li of Tiebreaker Times on Wednesday, Ayo has allegedly decided to leave La Salle to coach the UST Growling Tigers in Season 81.
Despite his impending departure however, Cojuangco will sit down with Ayo in the second week of January to “try to change his mind,” according to a source familiar with the situation. Ayo is currently in his hometown of Sorsogon for the holidays but will be back on January 5.
Cojuangco, of course, is a key benefactor of the La Salle men’s basketball program.
The rumors on Ayo’s transfer had been brewing during the latter part of Season 80 when La Salle was defending its title. Ayo neither denied nor confirmed the rumors after his team’s season ended after the finals.
Last week, La Salle even rallied behind their coach in a statement expressing their full support. The rumors finally came into fruition on Wednesday, saying Ayo is leaving La Salle.
Ayo came to La Salle two years ago after winning the NCAA title for the Letran Knights. In just his debut year for the Green Archers, he led them to the UAAP championship with his patented “mayhem” style of play. Last December, in Ayo’s second year, they lost in the finals to archrivals Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The potential loss of Ayo will be a huge blow to the Green Archers basketball program as two-time UAAP MVP Ben Mbala already announced that he is moving on to play for a Mexican pro team.
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