Being a coach cannot be confined in the four corners of the court and could sometimes extend far beyond it especially in helping the players overcome life’s toughest experiences.

Abu Tratter plays through a heavy heart for Converge (PBA Images)

That was exactly the case for Converge head coach Aldin Ayo who was seen comforting his player Abu Tratter who played through a heavy heart after losing his beloved father just a day before the game against Bay Area.

For one, Ayo knew full well how hard it is to face such difficult adversity in life especially with his experience with his still ailing mother.

“Nung nag-umpisa ako sa Converge, alam ni Abu ‘yung kundisyon ng mama ko, and ‘yung kundisyon ng daddy niya ganun din, pero mas medyo malala. Napagusapan namin ‘yun and tinutulungan ko si Abu kung paano i-handle,” said the rookie coach.

Ayo made sure to throw his support for Tratter who, despite grieving, still played for 27 minutes and scored seven points and nine rebounds in the 106-100 loss to the Dragons. After all, their bond as coach and player goes way back when the two were still part of the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP.

“Close din ako sa papa ni Abu when I was in La Salle, yun ang lagi kong kausap e, si Mr. Tratter. Palagi kong kausap ‘yun, hinahabilin sa akin si Abu kasi palagi silang wala, palaging nasa States, so nararamdaman ko tong anong meron kay Abu,” said Ayo.

Ayo even plans on spending a day with Tratter especially after the FiberXers big man decided to just stay in the country and not anymore fly to the US to visit his father despite the Converge management allowing him to do so if he wishes.

“Ang problema rito, mag-isa lang dito si Abu e. Sabi ko sa kanya yung mga kamag-anak niya na nasa Laguna, kung pwede magpasama muna siya. Sabi ko naman, tomorrow, I’ll free up my schedule for him na makasama siya. Kasi mahirap sa bata na nawala yung parent mo tapos mag-isa ka lang.”


Source: Manila Bulletin (https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/08/abu-tratter-plays-through-heavy-heart-after-loss-of-father/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=abu-tratter-plays-through-heavy-heart-after-loss-of-father)