National University head coach Eric Altamirano watches during the Bulldogs’ game against the La Salle Green Archers Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Even though he has achieved a lot in his young coaching career, La Salle coach Aldin Ayo would never forget the time he was once this budding mentor, developing the basketball skills of kids and teenagers in Sorsogon.
Ayo also remembers that one of the first guys to discover him was none other than National University coach Eric Altamirano.
“Kay coach Eric and coach Alex (Compton), they should be proud,” said Ayo after La Salle’s 75-66 win over NU on Sunday.
“They all started this. Kung hindi naman nila ako dinala dito sa Manila tapos hindi ko naman nakita kung paano mag-coach dito, hindi ako makakapag-isip na pumunta dito.”
With Altamirano and Compton leading the fort for National Basketball Training Center (NBTC), the program has reached the far-flung provinces, helping players and coaches alike hone their basketball skills.
And Ayo is thankful to be one of those who got the opportunity to join the program that basically kickstarted his coaching career.
“I’m very grateful to coach Eric, ma’am Rissa (Altamirano), and coach Alex because of their NBTC program. Binibigyan nila ng chance ang mga coaches from the provinces na mapunta dito,” he said.
For his part, Altamirano is also happy with how far Ayo has gone since.
“He was one of our local coaches sa NBTC when we were starting. We really appreciate his support,” Altamirano said. “Di lang sya coach, siya din ang nag-fund ng team nya sa Sorsogon. Makikita mo yung dedication niya as a coach and as a person who loves to develop players in the grassroots level.”
Despite the glitter of Ayo’s success after last year’s championship run with Letran, Altamirano said that what makes someone like Ayo great is his character.
“He’s a good person. Kami ni coach Alex sa NBTC, we really put a lot of emphasis sa character ng tao and we’re happy to have coach Aldin sa program namin,” he said.
“I’m glad that he became a successful coach and one of the top collegiate coaches. I’m very happy for him kung saan siya nanggaling at kung nasaan na siya ngayon.”/rga