MANILA, Philippines — For the first time since it was reported that he is leaving De La Salle University, head coach Aldin Ayo has broken his silence.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday night, Ayo explained that “differences” in how to handle the Green Archers ultimately led to his exit from the team.

“We have different views in handling the team. I've always done what is necessary,” Ayo said through his Twitter account.

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Ayo took over as DLSU head coach in 2016, making a much-publicized move to Taft after leading his alma mater, Letran, to the NCAA Season 91 championship.

He steered a powerful La Salle team, anchored by Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng, to a dominant campaign in UAAP Season 79, where they lost just once on their way to the crown.

But they were dethroned in 2017 by their arch-rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, in a thrilling UAAP Season 80 Finals series.

It was an eventful season for Ayo, who was repeatedly linked to a move to University of Santo Tomas midway through the men’s basketball tournament. He would not comment on those rumors at the end of their campaign, but towards the end of 2017 it was revealed that he had decided to leave La Salle and take the head coaching position in UST.

“The reason why I kept mum is because of an agreement not to disclose any information before the 1st week of January or until the school makes its official statement,” Ayo further explained.

“I am only breaking my silence since the news has come out earlier than expected and only after getting permission,” he added.

The young coach went on to express his gratitude to La Salle, saying his time in the Taft-based squad was well-spent.

“Much gratitude to Boss ECJ, the Managers, School Heads, the De La Salle community, all of the Green Archers fans. The two years I have spent with the Archers are two well-spent years indeed,” said Ayo.

Neither La Salle nor UST has released a statement regarding their coaching changes.

However, it was reported that Ayo’s chief assistant, Louie Gonzalez, will take over as the Green Archers’ head coach.

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