Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Aldin Ayo finally broke his silence surrounding his coaching situation and bid La Salle goodbye on social media late Tuesday.
The fiery mentor, who is reportedly set to jump ship to University of Santo Tomas after a short stint with the Green Archers, thanked the school brass and its top supporters for the two-year stay.
“Much gratitude to Boss ECJ (Eduardo Cojuangco), the Managers, School Heads, the De La Salle community, all of the Green Archers fans,” said Ayo on Twitter. “The two years I have spent with the Archers are two well-spent years indeed.”
Much gratitude to Boss ECJ, the Managers, School Heads, the De La Salle community, all of the Green Archers fans. The two years I have spent with the Archers are two well-spent years indeed.
— Aldin (@AyoAV_official) January 2, 2018
Ayo confirmed to INQUIRER.net afterwards that he is indeed leaving the Taft-based school.
He also dropped hints that differences in handling the Green Archers, who he started handling shortly after steering Letran to a title in the NCAA in 2015, may have led to his departure.
“We have different views in handling the team. I’ve always done what is necessary,” he wrote.
We have different views in handling the team. I’ve always done what is necessary.
— Aldin (@AyoAV_official) January 2, 2018
The 40-year-old coach amassed a record of 30-5 in his two years at the helm for La Salle, leading the squad to two straight Finals appearances and the UAAP Season 79 title.
Ayo, who has avoided answering questions from reporters since the news of his supposed transfer came out during UAAP Season 80, said that his silence was his way of keeping his word to the school.
“The reason why I kept mum is because of an agreement not to disclose any information before the 1st week of January or until the school makes its official statement. I am only breaking my silence since the news has come out earlier than expected and only after getting permission,” he posted.
The reason why I kept mum is because of an agreement not to disclose any information before the 1st week of January or until the school makes its official statement. I am only breaking my silence since the news has come out earlier than expected and only after getting permission.
— Aldin (@AyoAV_official) January 2, 2018
The only time Ayo addressed the issue was after La Salle’s Finals loss to Ateneo.
“Actually, I have lots of friends in UST. The priest that took me here in Manila, he’s in UST. My thesis adviser, he’s a Dominican and he’s also in UST. There are lots of priests who’s in UST who are my friends and are alumni. But regarding that (transfer) issue, I don’t want to comment on that,” he said then.
Both UST and La Salle have yet to issue official statements regarding the coaching change, but the Green Archers have reportedly promoted longtime assistant Luis Gonzalez to head coach.