Aldin Ayo named as Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 head coach

Aldin Ayo with Ronald Mascarinas

3x3 basketball is in for some "mayhem."

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas officially named Aldin Ayo as their head coach for their FIBA competitions, officially unveiling him on Monday afternoon at the Manila City Hall with members of Manila Chooks TM and Isko Moreno.

He shares, "I'm very grateful because, for me, this will bring another dimension to my coaching career."

Ayo adds, "Throughout my coaching career, it was the full-length of the court, but this time will be different. I can't wait to try out new schemes for half-court."

3x3 patron Ronald Mascariñas says the decision was a "personal choice," and adds, "He is the most decorated coach in college right now and we are excited that he is now here with us."

The 43-year-old replaces Eric Altamirano, who stepped down on November 1 after overseeing the ascent of the Philippines in the 3x3 scene.

When asked about the departure, Bounty Agro-Ventures Inc.'s Sports and Marketing Director Mel Macasaquit says, "Both parties are on good terms. We will still be working with Coach Eric in the future."

Even if this will be his first foray into 3x3 basketball, Ayo comes in with a proven track record of on-court success in 5x5 basketball, having led Letran and La Salle to championships in their respective leagues.

He spent last year rejuvenating a University of Santo Tomas side, bringing them back to the Finals for the first time in four seasons.

Ayo will not be with Manila Chooks TM when they participate in the Doha Masters later this month, but is expected to pencil in some training sessions before the year ends.

He already is familiar with the players comprising the team, having coached Leonard Santillan in DLSU, tried to recruit Alvin Pasaol and Troy Rike to join his program when they were still in college, and coached in the PBA D-League with Ironcon-UST when Joshua Munzon scored 46 points against them when he played for AMA.