ATENEO will include tributes to fallen teammates Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili for their upcoming UAAP Season 89 campaign.
Their jerseys will include a black patch on the right hand side with the initials “DA/RB,” which first debuted in their photo-op session with UAAP TV broadcaster Cignal on September 6.
“Every time we put on the uniform, we will see their initials and remember them, they will always be part of this team,” said team captain Jared Bahay.
“We are playing for each other, for our families, and for Divine and Rene as we continue playing the game we all love.”
The patch will be worn by the women’s team as well, as seen in the same photoshoot with the Louie Alas-led Blue Eagles.
Renewed and united
Incoming shot caller Louie Alas was nothing but grateful just for the chance to continue to lead his boys heal through the playing.
“Basketball has been a vital part of the healing process for these young men. We have seen their perseverance, commitment, and selfless dedication to one another," Alas said.
As they navigate through the season missing two key bigs in Adili and Baterbonia, one thing that Ateneo has been hard at work on is carrying on as unified as ever.
And though it will only be 100 days since the tragedy by the time the Blue Eagles step on the hardwood for the first time, the process of healing continues for the band of brothers.
“While we still have a long way to go, we will continue working and improving together.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
