Fresh start for Ayo as new head coach of Chooks 3×3 team

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Aldin Ayo has been tapped to take over the coaching reins of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas team for Fiba tournaments.

Ayo was unveiled Monday afternoon as the new head coach of the squad which will now go by Manila Chooks TM.

The team will still be led by the country’s No. 1-ranked player in Joshua Munzon, No. 2 Alvin Pasaol, No. 5 Troy Rike, and No. 6 Santi Santillan.

“I’m very grateful because, for me, this will bring another dimension to my coaching career,” said Ayo

The opportunity also gives Ayo his chance to turn over a new leaf after a bitter end to his stint at University of Santo Tomas.

Ayo was suspended indefinitely by the UAAP two months ago for his involvement in the Growling Tigers’ bubble training in Sorsogon.

“Throughout my coaching career, it was the full-length of the court, but this time will be different. I can’t wait to try out new schemes for half-court,” added Ayo as he was introduced to the players as well as Manila mayor Isko Moreno inside City Hall.

The 43-year-old succeeds Eric Altamirano, who resigned from his post effective Nov. 1 following a two-year run that saw the Philippines rise to contention in 3×3.

“Both parties are on good terms and that we will still work with Coach Eric in the future,” said BAVI sports and marketing director Mel Macasaquit.

Manila Chooks TM couldn’t have chosen a better successor than Ayo, who is a proven winner.

“Coach Ayo is my personal choice,” said BAVI president and 3×3 patron Ronald Mascariñas.

“He is the most decorated coach in college right now and we are excited that he is now here with us.”

In just his first year at the helm of the respective programs, the fiery mentor known for his ‘Mayhem’ brand of basketball energized Letran and La Salle to the NCAA and UAAP championships.

Ayo then moved on to UST which he rejuvenated en route to a first Finals in four years.

Ayo is already learning the ropes of this new sport, but will not yet join Manila Chooks TM as they see action in the Doha Masters of the 2020 FIBA 3×3 World Tour later in the month.

The one-time NCAA and UAAP champion coach’s first formal training session with Munzon and company has been penciled in before the year ends.

It will be a reunion of sorts for Ayo and Santillan who were key cogs in La Salle’s 2017 title and a runner-up finish a year later.

He is also no stranger to Pasaol whom he once tried recruiting for Letran and then La Salle as well as Rike whom he coached against in the UAAP.