Former player Ed Cordero could be the next head coach of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
The 61-year-old Cordero made his intentions known when he sent UST sports officials an email last Wednesday, the day when former Growling Tigers coach Aldin Ayo was indefinitely banned from activities that are sanctioned by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
“I just sent my email kahapon. Kasi, email ang procedure for applying,” said Cordero during the weekly online session of TOPS: Usapang Sports.
The 6’4” Cordero is best known for scoring 54 points during the Glowing Goldies’ narrow 95-89 win over the Adamson Falcons in July 29, 1979.
Since his retirement as a professional player in the Philippine Basketball Association, Cordero has served as an assistant coach of the Mapua Cardinals and the San Beda Red Lions.
Cordero believes that the Growling Tigers need to rebuild at the soonest time possible time.
“Yes, that has to be as soon as possible,” added Cordero.
Ayo was sanctioned by the league for allegedly holding training activities without getting the proper go-signal from concerned authorities.
Since the submission of the UST report last week, Ayo has stepped down from his post, along with assistant coaches McJour Luib and Jinino Manansala.
Since the controversy surrounding UST started, a total of five players have quit the team.
The university’s Institute of Physical Education and Athletics head Jannel Novino Abogado, O.P., resigned and was immediately replaced by Fr. Ermito de Sagon
Six-foot-two small forward Ferdinand Asuncion Jr. was the last to go, and is said to have joined the Mapua Cardinals.
