Former Ayo deputy Manansala set to be named UST head coach

In the midst of a turbulent time, the University of Santo Tomas is opting for continuity.

Jinino Manansala, former UST assistant coach and Aldin Ayo deputy, is moving up as the new head coach of the Growling Tigers, a well-placed source tells Rappler Sports on Thursday, October 8.

Manansala, a Thomasian and a multi-titled coach with the NAASCU’s St Clare Saints, was an integral part of Ayo’s staff as the Growling Tigers made their Cinderella run to the UAAP Season 82 finals against eventual three-peat titlists Ateneo Blue Eagles.

However, the program they built came crashing down as the “Bicol bubble” was exposed, leading to Ayo and Manansala resigning from their posts. (READ: TIMELINE: Chaos follows as UST bubble bursts)

Seven players from that finals run then found new homes elsewhere in the collegiate basketball scene, including ex-captain and bubble leak catalyst CJ Cansino, Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, Ira Bataller, Jun Asuncion, Deo Cuajao, and Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy.

Top high school prospect Bismarck Lina has also decommitted from the seniors team and settled with Cansino with the UP Fighting Maroons.

Manansala will have to rebuild an almost-empty roster that still has reigning MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo, who is playing through his last year of eligibility next season.

With Ayo still indefinitely banned from the league despite the recent UST-endorsed appeal for reconsideration, Manansala will also have to fill in the rest of the coaching staff as Season 83 moves closer to its tentative launch date in early 2021. – Rappler.com