Ayo plots wards’ future

I am very much concern on the welfare of their career.

SOULEMANE Chabi Yo (left) is being groomed for a professional career following his UAAP stint. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG

University of Santo Tomas (UST) head coach Aldin Ayo is preparing his wards this early when they try their luck in the professional level.

And he’s using the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) as their audition stage if they want to have a professional career.

Ayo said he wants his players to just not look at the collegiate level but also the next phase of their careers that’s why sometimes he’s too harsh with some of his Growling Tigers.

“I am very much concern on the welfare of their career. As early as now, they should already have a direction in life,” said Ayo after his team surrendered a 66-52 decision to defending champion Ateneo de Manila University last weekend.

Ayo made special mention to his rookie guard Mark Nonoy and foreign student-athlete Soulemane Chabi Yo, whom he thinks can go to the next level.

“He (Nonoy) really has to (correct his mistakes) because there is no shooting guard in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) that stands 5-foot-8,” said Ayo, referring to the confusion Nonoy is having as to what role he has to play.

Nonoy, a product of UST high school basketball program, had his breakout game against the Blue Eagles with a career-high 18 points.

But his offensive explosion hardly impressed the one-time UAAP champion mentor.

“To be honest, I am worried that he scored a lot of points because supposedly, he has to make his teammates better,” said Ayo, who won titles with De La Salle University and Letran College in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

After Nonoy, no other Growling Tigers managed to hit double figures in scoring against Ateneo with fellow rookie Rhenz Abando had only seven markers while Chabi Yo had a season-low six markers.

The southpaw Nonoy played shooting guard with the juniors squad, but Ayo said his rookie playmaker needs to understand his role fully as the seniors level is not just about scoring.

“Hopefully, next game, it’s not 18 points, I hope he scores 10 points but with 15 or more assists. And from there, our system will run smoothly. What I am asking of him is he allow his teammates to score,” Ayo said.

“My worry is he might always look for the ball in the next games which is not his role.”