ATENEO lost two of its big men to an unfortunate drowning incident.
The school announced the passing of incoming rookie Rene Baterbonia and Nigerian slotman Divine Adili on Monday afternoon. The Blue Eagles were on a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora when the incident happened.
Baterbonia just turned 19 on May 8 while Adili was 21.
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"The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones. We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time," the school said in a statement release on Monday.
Baterbonia, a 6-foot-4 native of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, is one of the most sought after rookies in this offseason following his stint with the much hyped Off-Campus Residences of Davao.
He was the MVP of the Palarong Pambansa in 2025, leading the Davao Region to the title that year in Ilocos Norte and a runner-up finish this year in his hometown.
Adili, on the other hand, was the man in the middle for the Blue Eagles with the 6-foot-9 center averaging 8.4 points and 8.3 rebounds last UAAP Season 88.
Ateneo promised to provide support to the families of Baterbonia and Adili in these tough times.
"As a community, we mourn with the families and the loved ones of Rene and Divine and entrust them to God's loving mercy. We ask for continued prayers for all who are affected by this tragedy," the school statement read.
Both Baterbonia and Adili didn't play when the Ateneo Blue Eagles beat the Adamson Falcons, 72-52, in their debut in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup on Saturday.
Baterbonia, who was coming off a stint in the Palarong Pambansa, sat behind the Ateneo bench.
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