BY hook or by crook, Rhenz Abando was bound to be under the guidance of coach Aldin Ayo.
The outspoken University of Santo Tomas mentor bared that ever since his days with Letran, he knew he wanted to secure the services of the athletic forward and the Sto. Tomas, La Union native felt the same way too.
"Kahit nung nasa Letran ako, pupunta sana si Rhenz. Even sa La Salle, kukunin ko sana si Rhenz. Itong batang ito, parang nilagay niya sa dibdib niya na kay coach Aldin ako maglalaro," said the Sorsogon-born bench tactician of the 6-foot-2 high-flyer, who was recommended to him by his former Knights teammate Chris Calaguio.
Abando couldn't fully explain what drew him to Ayo, sharing, "Siguro pinagtagpo lang kami," owing it to destiny for this partnership.
But it's clear to the champion coach that their similar backgrounds — probinsyanos looking to make a mark here in the big city — is a big factor not just between the two of them but for the majority of the players in the Growling Tigers' lair.
"Parehas kami ng background, na probinsyano. Naho-homesick kami sa mga pamilya namin at wala kaming ibang sasandalan kundi kami-kami lang," shared Ayo.
He's no stranger to this set up, handling players from the provinces ever since he started his career in Manila.
Ayo has had players like Rey Nambatac and Mcjour Luib (Cagayan de Oro) and Felix Apreku (Northern Samar) at Letran, as well as Aljun Melecio (Bukidnon) and Santi Santillan (Cebu) in his time with La Salle.
The 21-year-old Abando is the latest to that colllection.
That's why Ayo welcomes having fellow probinsyanos in his teams and turning them to gems as they all try to make themselves proud in Manila.
"Yung mga players na ito yung under the radar. Walang nakakakilala sa kanila until naglaro na sa mga preseason tournaments," he said. "Anytime na kailangan namin ng kasama, kami-kami lang talaga, so nakaka-relate sila. Karamihan ng players ko, probinsyano and we have that kind of bond."
Abando racked 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in his UAAP debut as UST trounced UE, 95-82, on Wednesday.
But for Ayo, Abando's only touching the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his potential.
"Nandoon na yung skillset niya, his athleticism, pero na-develop pa rin niya yun sa one year niya sa UST. But knowing yung background niya, na si Rhenz is a breadwinner and when you have that kind of player, di mo na kailangan i-motivate yan. They're playing for their families and their community," he said.
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