Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Iron sharpens iron. That old saying seems to resonate more with coaches Aldin Ayo and Jamike Jarin.
From the NCAA to the UAAP and now in the PBA, Ayo and Jarin added another classic barn-burner of a chess match, this time with the latter coming out on top with a 99-98 Phoenix victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
It’s been long documented, that even Jarin knows that the majority has a knowledge about the atmosphere whenever the two tacticians face off in the hardwood.
“You know the story. It’s always been us. From the NCAA to the UAAP to here. There’s always that competition because we came in at the same time. Wherever he went, I went. I was there, he was there too but we’re good friends. I love competing against him and I’m sure he loves competing against us,” said Jarin at Philsports Arena on Saturday.
“Everybody and any coach you face should bring out the best in you.”
Back in NCAA Season 91 in 2015, Ayo steered Letran to a monumental title win over San Beda, which was then mentored by Jarin.
Converge FiberXers coach Aldin Ayo. –PBA IMAGES
In 2019, Jarin got a hold of the coaching post at National University which was ousted by University of Santo Tomas several times in the elimination round, a squad held by Ayo.
But now, in the big leagues, it seems like Jarin has managed to one-up his rival coach as his Phoenix is currently in the upper echelon of the standings at 5-1.
Ayo’s Converge, meanwhile, is still struggling to get its first win of the conference after five games in the young season.
Yet, after numerous showdowns between the two maestros, respect is already well earned by now. Jarin still gave Ayo his due credit at the end of the match.
“You have to give credit to them. Imagine their team. They don’t have Mike Nieto, no Zaldivar or Stockton but they played so well today. They shot the ball pretty well today and they were making everything.”
“The record of Converge right now doesn’t show what they really are. They played the top teams already so they’re a very good team and very well coached by coach Aldin. They’re just getting better, credit goes to all their players, especially coach Aldin.”