UST accepts Ayo’s resignation
THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) has accepted the resignation of Aldin Ayo, the beleaguered head coach of its men’s basketball team.
Ayo is facing possible sanctions from the government for setting up an unauthorized training camp in Capuy, Sorsogon in mid-June while the whole country is in lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
TheManilaTimes obtained the official statement of UST on the matter from the office of Associate Professor Giovanna Fontanilla, the university’s director for public affairs, on Saturday.
“It is with a heavy heart that the University of Santo Tomas (UST) accepts the resignation of Mr. Aldin Ayo, head coach of the UST men’s basketball team, together with the resignation of Mr. Mcjour Luib and Mr. Jinino Manansala as assistant coaches,” reads the statement.
Before the “Sorsogon Bubble” controversy, UST is pinning its hopes on Ayo to guide the Growling Tigers to greater heights of collegiate basketball achievement.
“The Thomasian community conveys its gratitude to them for their service to the university.”
“Rest assured that the university will remain committed to the welfare of the
student athletes and that the process of rebuilding athletic programs, particularly that of the men’s basketball team, through compassion and competence, will commence. We wish them well in their future endeavors.”
Ayo, in his second year of coaching the Tigers had led his wards to last season’s championship round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). UST fought valiantly but was swept by champion Ateneo in the bestof-three finals.
It was a big improvement for the Growling Tigers who finished sixth in the previous UAAP season.
Prior to joining UST in 2018, Ayo, as head coach, led the Letran Knights to winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association title in 2015. He then transferred to the UAAP and led De La Salle University to winning the crown in 2016 and to a first runnerup finish in 2017.
Ayo established a 62-29 win-loss record (68.1 winning percentage) in his four years in the UAAP.
Ayo announced his resignation late Friday in a letter sent to the media.
“I have tendered my resignation as head coach of the UST men’s basketball team. I deeply apologize to all those who have been adversely affected by our activity and unnecessarily exposed to much condemnation especially the university,” reads Ayo’s letter.
“I take responsibility for my actions and shall face the appropriate sanctions. And I shall go for a personal retreat,” he wrote.