UAAP: Did UST’s problems end with the resignation of coach Aldin Ayo?

The casualty countdown begins for the shocked Santo Tomas University when the dust settles after a better-intentioned but ill-conceived Sorsogon training bubble imploded and brought down the house of the growling Tigers.

The final blow came Saturday morning when the University formally accepted the resignation of men’s basketball coach Aldin Ayo and his assistants McJour Luib and Jinino Manansala.

The development left the Tigres limping, their future uncertain as they now find themselves without a full coaching staff and some key players following the early exodus of CJ Cansino, Brent Paraíso, Ira Bataller, Rhenz Abando and Jun Asunción amid controversy.

READ: From Spain to Diliman: CJ Cansino moves to UP; Brent Paraiso ready to leave UST; Rhenz Abando and Ira Bataller leave UST – report; Sinking ship? Jun Asunción 5th UST player to jump

In the Tigers’ lair at the moment are the remnants Soulemane Chabi Yo, Mark Nonoy, Dave Ando, ​​Deo Cuajo, Migs Pangilinan and Sherwin Concepcion, who will be the anchor for the crew along with season 83 additions Paul Manalang. , Carlos Sumabat, Bismarck Lina, Bryan. Samudio, Christian Manaytay and Joshua Fontanilla.

While a lot of changes could happen in the coming months, maybe weeks, it’s clear the Tigers would have to dig deep to match or overshadow their impressive second-place finish last season.

But questions about whether the University would be sanctioned after the alleged violation of government health protocols must be addressed first.

According to sources, the Board of Directors of the UAAP recommended sanctioning Ayo during the long meeting on Thursday.

They have referred it to the UAAP Board of Trustees made up of presidents of eight member schools, which will finally decide on the case.

Officials from the Joint Administrative Order Group (JAO) and the Higher Education Commission also agreed to submit a report to the Interagency Task Force on possible University sanctions after a separate meeting on Friday.

The JAO Group, made up of the Board of Games and Entertainment, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Health and charged with overseeing the resumption of sports during the pandemic, will also take the case to the Department of Justice.

READ: JAO will develop guideline recommendations for potential college education