SBP not extending Aldin Ayo ban to non-UAAP leagues

Embattled coach Aldin Ayo can start over in other local basketball leagues.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) made it clear on Wednesday, September 9, that it will not extend the UAAP’s ban on ex-UST head coach Aldin Ayo to other leagues.

Following the UAAP’s decision, SBP director of operations Butch Antonio said that any non-UAAP team may still hire the multi-titled collegiate tactician.

“We at the SBP recognize that each league has its own constitution, by-laws, and board members. We respect their decisions and policies but we cannot enforce it on other stakeholders of the federation,” said Antonio.

Even before the UAAP handed out its decision, Ayo resigned last Friday and apologized to UST as the issue “unnecessarily exposed” the university to “much condemnation.”

Ayo also said he plans to go on a “personal retreat” following the controversial “bubble” training camp he held in Sorsogon, which violated the government’s health protocols amid the pandemic.

Prior to his five-year stay in the UAAP split between La Salle and UST, the 42-year-old Ayo initially found success in the NCAA with the Letran Knights, both as a player and coach. (READ: Master of Mayhem: How Aldin Ayo’s coaching career unraveled)

He won back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999 playing alongside Kerby Raymundo, then again in 2015 as a first-year head coach with star players Rey Nambatac and Mark Cruz.

In the midst of his “Bicol bubble” issue with the Growling Tigers, rumors swirled that he is being considered for another run at the Letran’s helm, essentially running it back with his former UST players and new Knights Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, and Ira Bataller.

However, Letran’s special assistant to the rector for sports development Alfrancis Chua emphatically shot down those rumors before they could even gain ground, and instead doubled down on his support for reigning champion coach Bonnie Tan. (READ: Letran’s Al Chua vehemently denies Ayo return)

Ayo also had short stints in the PBA as Manny Pacquiao’s assistant with the Mahindra Enforcers (now Terra Firma Dyip) and in the MPBL as the chief tactician of the Muntinlupa Cagers. – Rappler.com