Rene Baterbonia (left) and Divine Adili (right). File photos: NBTC, UAAP Media.MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University opens its UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball campaign with a purpose beyond the court, carrying the memories of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia throughout a season unlike any other.
READ: Ateneo takes flight in new era with Bobet, Divine in mind
The Blue Eagles will wear a “DA | RB” patch on their jerseys as they return to competitive action following the tragic team-building incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, last June 8 that claimed the lives of Adili and Baterbonia.
Wednesday also marks 100 days since the tragedy.
Adili’s parents will be at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to watch Ateneo’s season opener against University of the East, adding another emotional layer to the Blue Eagles’ return to UAAP action.
Despite the difficult offseason, Ateneo remains determined to honor the two throughout the campaign.
“Ever since the accident happened, yun na talaga ang nasa isip nila. To dedicate this year to those guys. Talagang nasa puso nila yun,” interim coach Louie Alas said.
The long-awaited return comes at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, when Ateneo faces UE at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the Blue Eagles forced into catch-up mode during their short buildup, Alas is keeping his goals modest as the team begins its campaign.
“As I’ve said, gusto muna namin enjoying yung ibinigay sa amin ng Diyos, binigay ng UAAP to be here and play. Of course, part ng healing namin ito; mas madali kaming mag-heal kung mananalo,” Alas said.
Jared Bahay will take on a bigger leadership role as the Blue Eagles seek to stay united while adjusting to Alas’ system.
Ateneo is also looking to return to the Final Four for the first time in three seasons, a feat that would add even more significance to an already meaningful campaign.
Standing in its way is a UE side looking to turn the page after going 0-14 last season.
Now in his second season with the Red Warriors, coach Chris Gavina wants continued growth from his young squad and believes their confidence can translate into better results.
“To be honest, there's zero expectations outside of our inner circle. It's just within our self-belief that our work will pay off. I feel I'm emphasizing to our guys, play with no pressure, play with no fear, and I think that will translate on the court beginning on September 16th,” Gavina said.
“Extremely confident. I think this group really has a high belief in themselves and as a collective group.
“I haven't seen this level of camaraderie at UE in a while, and I've loved their team spirit, and I think they're going to bring back UE pride,” he added.
Later in the day, defending champion De La Salle University faces a quick turnaround after opening its title defense with a narrow 89-87 victory over National University.
The Green Archers take on University of Santo Tomas at 5:30 p.m., with the Growling Tigers looking to bounce back from a 92-85 loss to University of the Philippines in their season opener.
La Salle coach Topex Robinson knows his team will have its hands full against a UST side that entered the season as one of the title favorites following an impressive offseason.
“We know UST is also ranked at the top coming into the season. We know a healthy Collins Akowe will always be a big problem. They have those one-and-dones that will get them experience but we’re just up for the challenge. We wanna make sure that we do well before the long break,” Robinson said.
The Green Archers will also look for one of their top guns, Jacob Cortez, to regain his rhythm after struggling in the season opener.
The matchup will be the final game for both teams before several players leave on Saturday to join Gilas Pilipinas Men 3x3 for the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games.
La Salle aces Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo, the reigning UAAP 3x3 champions, and UST’s Koji Buenaflor will join the national team, linking up with former Growling Tigers star Nic Cabañero.
In Boys’ 16-and-under action, defending champion NUNS seeks its fourth straight win against UP Integrated School at 8 a.m., while Far Eastern University-Diliman aims to stretch its perfect start to three games when it faces La Salle-Zobel at 10 a.m.
Ateneo and Adamson University then collide at noon to wrap up the 16U tripleheader.
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