Two days after a Sorsogon PNP report absolved him of liabilities for the Sorsogon ‘bubble’, former UST head coach Aldin Ayo is now hopeful that the same report will boost his appeal against his indefinite ban in the UAAP. 

The embattled coach originally resigned from his head coaching post last September 4, before being slapped with an indefinite ban by the UAAP Board of Trustees five days later. 

“I feel vindicated by the result of the Sorsogon City PNP Investigation on the alleged IATF violations in our activity in Capuy, Sorsogon; which result, was duly confirmed by the Office of the Governor of the Province of Sorsogon,” Ayo said in a statement on Friday. 

“The result of the investigation conducted by the proper government authorities, the PNP on the ground — at my house and farm, will certainly complement my position on the matter: that I have not in any way violated any national and local government health protocol or IATF regulations,” the former coach added.

In the police report dated Sept. 23 which was certified by provincial governor Chiz Escudero, it was found that Ayo and UST’s actions were in accordance with the government’s health protocols and that there were no prohibited basketball activities held outside his residence and within the province’s jurisdiction. 

Ayo also noted that the police report included “overlooked” details by the University’s fact-finding committee, which was used as a basis by the UAAP BoT to impose his indefinite ban. 

“I have dutifully raised matters overlooked by the UST fact-finding committee in their findings which became the basis for the UAAP decision. These pertinent matters, if properly considered, may significantly alter the decision of the UAAP Board.” Ayo said. 

Players allegedly went to Sorsogon to conduct “farm training” for their “special personal development” in Ayo’s mahogany farm, which were non-contact activities, and not to conduct team practices as originally stated by former team captain CJ Cansino.

Due to the province being placed in Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) – Low Risk at the time, the agricultural activities undertaken were allowed under the EID-IATF community quarantine guidelines. 

The former Tigers coach also took a shot at the doubters of his story, stating that while it may be understandable to doubt the Growling Tigers being invited to Sorsogon for agricultural work, it prevails as the truth if it is really the case. 

An invite to the same doubters was also sent by Ayo to conclude the statement. 

“Come to my house and farm in Capuy, Sorsogon, and see for yourself. ‘For the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few.’ he concluded. 

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Five days after reports of exploratory talks originally surfaced, former UST Tiger Cubs star Bismarck Lina is now on his way to play for the UP Fighting Maroons.

First reported by multiple publications Monday afternoon, the move was made official through a photo posted of Lina with UP coach Bo Perasol.

(H/T: @spinph)

The 19-year-old also confirmed the news on his Twitter account, with the simple statement “new chapter”.

New chapter ✊🏼✊🏼

— Bismarck Lina (@bismarcklina) September 21, 2020

Lina is set to be reunited with former Growling Tigers captain CJ Cansino who was the first to leave the team in light of the Sorsogon Bubble fiasco. 

The former Tiger Cub originally committed to the seniors’ squad last February and was set to originally debut in the collegiate scene during UAAP season 83. 

However, with his transfer, Lina is now set to play for the Maroons in UAAP season 84 due to his status as a late enrollee. He and Cansino are set to debut in the same season. 

The 6-foot-5 bruiser and cousin of former King Tiger Kevin Ferrer was a force in his final year with the Tiger Cubs, posting norms of 16.6 points, 10.9 points, and 2.1 assists despite only appearing in the second half of the season. He was also a part of the Mythical Five way back during UAAP season 81.

Lina is now the eighth player to leave the Tigers following future teammate Cansino, the now-Letran Knights trio of Rhenz Abando, Ira Bataller and Brent Paraiso, third-stringer turned Mapua Cardinal Jun Asuncion and the now-De LaSalle Green Archers duo of Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao.  

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Amidst the conflicting reports on their departure, Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao have confirmed that they have left the University through farewell messages posted on Monday morning. 

While the two did not confirm their next destination, multiple publications have already reported that they will be headed to the De LaSalle University Green Archers under coach Derrick Pumaren. 

Nonoy bid the University farewell through an Instagram post on Monday.

“Unang-una po sa lahat, nagpapasalamat po ako ng buong puso sa buong UST community, na binigyan nyo po ako ng opportunity na ipakita po kung anong galing meron ako and I’m very thankful sa lahat ng coaching staff lalong-lalo na po sa kay coach Aldin Ayo na nagtiwalang kumuha sakin mula sa province to Manila at nagbigay sakin ng kumpiyansa pag dating sa court at sa pag guide nya sa akin kahit off the court upang maging mabuting tao,” Nonoy’s post stated. 

“Sa buong UST community na walang katulad sa pagcheer nyo po sa amin na nagbibigay lakas at inspirasyon sa akin sa bawat laro hinding-hindi ko po kayo malilimutan. Napakabigat man para sa loob ko, kinakailangan ko ng katiyakan sa aking career para makapagfocus ulit sa basketball,” the former Tiger Cub standout added. 

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Dear UST,
Unang-una po sa lahat, nagpapasalamat po ako ng buong puso sa buong UST community, na binigyan nyo po ako ng opportunity na ipakita po kung anong galing meron ako and I'm very thankful sa lahat ng coaching staff lalong-lalo na po sa kay coach Aldin Ayo na nagtiwalang kumuha sakin mula sa province to manila at nagbigay sakin ng kumpiyansa pag dating sa court at sa pag guide nya sa akin kahit off the court upang maging mabuting tao. Habambuhy ko tatanawin ang utang na loob ko po sa kanya kasi kung hndi dahil sa kanya wala po ako sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng coaches at managers po lalo na kay boss Jimmy Lim ng Ironcon na laging nandyan to support us every game at nagbibigay ng lahat ng kailangan namin. Sa buong ust community na walang katulad sa pagcheer nyo po sa amin na nagbibigay lakas at inspirasyon sa akin sa bawat laro hinding-hindi ko po kayo malilimutan. Napakabigat man para sa loob ko, kinakailangan ko ng katiyakan sa aking career para makapagfocus ulit sa basketball. Dahil ilang weeks na akong binabagabag ng kung ano ang kahihinatnan ng atin team. Ano man natutunan ko sa UST dadalhin ko yan habambuhay saan man ako mapunta. Akin po munang kokonsultahin ang aking pamilya para sa mga susunod na hakbang na aming gagawin. Maramin salamat UST! THE BEST KA! GO USTE GO GO GO USTE 😭🐯🖤💛🖤🤍

A post shared by Marknonoy (@m_nonoy6) on Sep 13, 2020 at 6:59pm PDT

Cuajao also shared the same sentiments as Nonoy, wherein he stated that his basketball career was a driving force in his departure from the University. 

“Ang dami kong natutunan sa kanila at minolde nila ang aking pagkatao.  Hanggang sa huli, umaasa akong magkakaron ng linaw at maayus na patutunguhan ang team despite sa lahat ng pinagdaraanan namin.  Ngunit hanggang ngayon walang tiyak na na direksyon. Mabigat man ang loob ko, kinakailangan ko na talaga mag disisyon at maghanap ng katiyakan para sa career ko dahil dito ko binubuo ang pangarap ko para sa pamilya ko,” Cuajao expressed in a lengthy Facebook post. 

In their lone senior seasons for the University, Nonoy averaged 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Cuajao only totaled 13 points in his debut season for the Tigers. 

With their departure, Nonoy and Cuajao are now the latest names in the Growling Tigers’ mass exodus, following suit with teammates in now Fighting Maroon CJ Cansino, the Letran Knights trio of Rhenz Abando, Ira Bataller and Brent Paraiso, and third stringer Jun Asuncion who is now in Mapua. 

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