MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University will play through grief in UAAP Season 89, turning every game into a tribute to fallen teammates Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili as interim head coach Louie Alas described the Blue Eagles’ return to the court as an important part of their healing process.
Rather than setting lofty expectations for a team also entering the season without key players Logan Baltazar and Kyle Gamber, Alas said Ateneo is embracing the opportunity to play, heal and honor its fallen teammates.
“Honestly, wala kaming expectation lang. We are just very thankful,” Alas said. “Siyempre, parang nagpapasalamat sa whole UAAP community for supporting us to play this year.”
Alas admitted that immediately after the tragedy, returning to basketball was hardly on the minds of the players.
“Because a few days after what happened, yung mga players, hindi ko naisip na maglalaro. Because kung hindi maglalaro, parang victim again after what happened,” Alas said.
“So we are very thankful and we praise them for that. Because that’s part of our therapy, part of healing,” he added.
The Blue Eagles have since decided to dedicate their Season 89 campaign to Baterbonia and Adili, with players wearing jerseys bearing tributes to their fallen teammates.
“Ever since naman ang nangyari sa kanila, talagang naka-focus sila to dedicate this year to their fallen teammates,” Alas said.
While Ateneo’s campaign will carry an emotional significance, Alas also wants the Blue Eagles to establish a clear basketball identity — one built around relentless defensive pressure.
“We’re not saying walang defensive team before but yan yung agad namin, yan yung kino-concentrate namin,” he said. “We want to disrupt and play a lot of defense.”
With Alas at the helm, Ateneo will enter Season 89 not only seeking victories but also using every game as another step toward recovery while keeping the memory of Baterbonia and Adili at the heart of its campaign./PN
