UST COACH Aldin Ayo confirmed Thursday that Rhenz Abando was getting offers from rival schools, but said his high-flying rookie would stay with the Growling Tigers.

A tearful Abando emerged from a one-on-one meeting with his coach on campus, after news broke out that he was being lured by other UAAP universities.

The coach denounced efforts to poach Abando, one of the brightest stars for the rejuvenated Tigers, averaging 11.8 points and 5.0 rebounds this season.

Varsitarian sources said at least two UAAP schools were aggressively pursuing Abando.

“For me, that’s very unethical. In the middle of the season, offering to contact a player. Ini-insulto mo ‘yong bata at players,” Ayo told the Varsitarian.

The coach said he opted to bench Abando during the Tigers’ 84-78 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, concerned that the recruitment controversy might distract the team.

“Kasi may mga UAAP teams na, siguro, strategy nila, they’re going against us on and off the court. They do things para madistract ‘yong team,” Ayo said.

Ayo said Abando, a native of La Union, never really intended to transfer schools and was merely getting persistent offers from other UAAP schools.

Abando, he said, “knows that he is here to play and to study, establish his name in the UAAP.”

Abando will suit up for the Tigers against the National University Bulldogs on Oct. 19, Saturday, 1 p.m. at the Ynares Antipolo Gym.

The Tigers sit at solo third with a 6-5 win-loss card.