Ayo blasts universities for trying to recruit Abando midway through UAAP season

MANILA, Philippines—Aldin Ayo lashed out at the other member schools of the UAAP after at least a couple of those institutions tried to recruit Rhenz Abando from University of Santo Tomas.

According to The Varsitarian, the official student publication of UST, other universities looked to pry Abando away from the Growling Tigers’ camp during the middle of the Season 82 men’s basketball tournament.

“For me, that’s very unethical,” said Ayo in the report. “In the middle of the season, offering to contact a player, you’re insulting not only Rhenz but also the other players.”

READ: After meeting with UST officials, Rhenz Abando has committed to stay with Tigers

Abando burst into the scene for UST with his raw athleticism, putting up 11.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks during the season that saw the Growling Tigers emerge as one of the contenders.

UST improved to solo third with a 6-5 record after its 84-78 win over University of the Philippines Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Ayo said he decided to bench Abando during the game against the Fighting Maroons in a way of hushing the controversy regarding Abando.

READ: Rising star Rhenz Abando wants transfer to another UAAP school

“There are UAAP teams whose strategy is they’re going against us on and off the court,” said Ayo in Filipino. “They do these things so other teams would be distracted.”

An earlier report from Inquirer Sports said that Abando planned to transfer schools but Ayo said his prized recruit “is here to play, study, and establish his name in the UAAP.”