Ben Mbala ‘happy’ for former mentor Aldin Ayo

Fubon Braves vs Seoul Samsung Thunders during The Asia League’s ‘The Terrific 12’ at Studio City Event Center on 18 September 2018, in Macau, Macau. Photo by Marcio Rodrigo Machado / Power Sport Images for Asia League

MACAU—Aldin Ayo’s departure from the camp of De La Salle to University of Santo Tomas left a feeling of remorse in the community.

Ayo, after all, delivered a championship after two UAAP finals appearance for the Green Archers with a system anchored on Ben Mbala’s immense athleticism and basketball gifts.

His unexpected move to another UAAP school, though, is something Mbala respected.

“I still keep in touch with the guys in the Philippines, in La Salle, and I’m updated about everything going on there,” said Mbala after his new team Seoul edged Fubon in the Asia League The Terrific 12 Tuesday at Studio City Events Center here in Macau.

Ayo decided to move from his two-year relationship with La Salle and go back to his Dominican roots.

Outside of basketball, Ayo is a devout follower of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and was a former seminarian at Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

Mbala, who hit the game-winning layup against the Braves, said he is in no position to judge what Ayo decided to do on his career and he just wished good fortune to his former mentor.

“Who am I to judge him? He took a side on what he decided to do that’s his own career, that’s his own path and you got to do what makes you happy,” said Mbala who had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Samsung Thunders.

“If he’s happy with his new team, so be it. I’m happy for him and may God bless him in whatever he’s planning to do for the rest of his career.”