ATENEO is entering UAAP Season 89 with a purpose far bigger than basketball.
Head coach Louie Alas said the Blue Eagles are dedicating the upcoming season to their fallen teammates Divine Adili and Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia, turning their grief into part of the team’s healing process.
“Ever since naman ang nangyari sa kanila, talagang naka-focus sila to dedicate this year to their fallen teammates,” Alas said.
Ateneo had previously announced that the players’ jerseys will carry patches commemorating Adili and Baterbonia, who remain deeply remembered by the team as it prepares for another UAAP campaign.
Alas admitted that basketball was initially the last thing on the minds of the players in the days following the tragedy.
“A few days after what happened, iyung mga players, hindi ko naisip na maglalaro,” Alas said.
But the Blue Eagles eventually decided to take the court, believing that continuing to play could become part of their healing.
“Because kung hindi maglalaro, parang victim again after what happened,” Alas said.
“So we’re very thankful, and we’re very sad for that. Because that’s part of our therapy, part of healing.”
The emotional circumstances surrounding the team have also shaped how Ateneo wants to play this season.
With Logan Baltazar and Kyle Gamber no longer part of the lineup, Alas refused to put specific expectations on his team, instead choosing to focus on what the Blue Eagles can control.
“Honestly, wala kaming expectation lang. We are just very thankful,” Alas said.
He also expressed gratitude to the entire UAAP community for supporting Ateneo as the team chose to continue competing despite the difficult circumstances.
On the court, Alas wants the Blue Eagles to establish their identity through defense.
“We’re not saying walang defensive team before, but ’yun yung mood namin, iyun ang kino-concentrate namin,” he said.
“We want to disrupt and play a lot of defense.”
For Ateneo, however, Season 89 will mean more than wins, losses or standings.
Every game will carry the memory of Adili and Baterbonia and serve as the Blue Eagles’ way of honoring their fallen teammates while moving forward together. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
