UAAP: Nothing has been achieved yet, says UST coach Aldin Ayo

By Kristel Satumbaga

University of Santo Tomas coach Aldin Ayo said his team hasn’t achieved anything yet despite barging into the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball finals for the first time in four years.

“Hindi pa tapos eh. Of course, we are grateful that we reached this far but this is not our main goal,” he said after the Tigers edged University of the Philippines Maroons 68-65 in thrilling semifinal showdown last Wednesday at the packed Mall of Asia Arena.

Renzo Subido’s parking lot 3-pointer in the closing seconds and Soulemane Chabi Yo’s free throws sealed the victory for UST.

“Nakita ko yung celebration and medyo nag-worry ako nang konti kasi ayokong makita na mukha silang nakukuntento eh. So we have to refocus and prepare for our next game.”

UST entered the stepladder semifinals as fourth seed, besting Far Eastern University in the first phase before beating UP twice.

The Tigers set up a best-of-three finals series against the undefeated defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles starting Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ayo said their combined passion and hard work helped them made it this far.

“Hindi rin pwede puro passion eh. Sabi ko yung mga bagay na mahihirap, kahit walang balik, you just have to keep on working hard,” he said.

The Tigers have been preparing for this season as early as Nov. 28 last year. While Ateneo was playing against UP in Game 2 of the championship that day, UST was playing a tuneup match against National University’s Team B.

They lost in that game.

“Yung team nga na yun, di kasali sa UAAP eh, so sabi ko sa mga bata, grabe ang tatrabahuhin natin. So ginawa naman namin, nag-invest talaga kami dito and hindi pa kami tapos,” Ayo said.

It will be short finals preparation for Ayo but working harder was never new to the Tigers.

It will be another tough hill to climb.

Source: Manila Bulletin