Archers meet new coach

Letran coach Aldin Ayo. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

A COACHING search frenzy unfolded in the last three days featuring four schools in two collegiate basketball leagues.

Aldin Ayo has made the jump to La Salle in the UAAP, just weeks after steering Letran to the NCAA championship on his lone season as Knights coach.

The move left the Knights shocked and was the highlight of several coaching moves in the college scene, where Adamson and Perpetual Help also kicked off their own team shakeup.

Ayo—the rookie mentor whose defensive approach and run-and-gun style helped the Knights end a decade-long championship drought—has landed one of the most glamorous and most scrutinized jobs in collegiate basketball.

Although La Salle has yet to issue an official announcement, several officials and players confirmed that Ayo had been introduced as their new mentor in a team dinner Wednesday hosted by La Salle patron Danding Conjuangco.

Letran, meanwhile, is expected to officially announce Ayo’s departure today.

Sources close to Ayo said former Knight and ex-PBA star Kerby Raymundo is interested in the Letran vacancy.

Adamson also looked all set to let go of Mike Fermin and the Falcons are reportedly eyeing former champion La Salle coach Franz Pumaren. Also being considered are former winning San Beda mentor Frankie Lim and Adamson juniors mentor Goldwyn Monteverde.

Perpetual Help has yet to issue an official announcement on the status of coach Aric Del Rosario, but the Altas are reportedly seeking his replacement after talks with a candidate broke down early this month.