Ateneo de Manila University opens its UAAP Season 89 collegiate men’s basketball campaign with a purpose: to honor the memories of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia throughout the tournament.
The Blue Eagles will wear a “DA | RB” patch on their jerseys as they embark on a season unlike any other, 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 on hand at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to watch Ateneo’s season opener against University of the East, adding another deeply emotional layer to the Blue Eagles’ return to competitive action.
Despite the difficult offseason, Ateneo is determined to carry the memories of Adili and Baterbonia with them 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,” said interim coach Louie Alas.
The long-awaited day has finally arrived for Ateneo, which makes its season debut against UE at 3 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Alas is keeping his goals modest for the Blue Eagles, who were forced into catch-up mode during their short buildup.
“As I’ve said, gusto muna naming i-enjoy yung ibinigay sa amin ng Diyos, binigay ng UAAP to be here and play. Of course, part ng healing namin ito; mas madali kaming maghi-heal kung mananalo,” Alas said.
Jared Bahay will take on a bigger leadership role as the Blue Eagles look to remain united while adjusting to Alas’ system.
Ateneo is also aiming to return to the Final Four for the first time in three seasons, a feat that would make an already meaningful campaign even more special.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE enters the season hoping to turn the page after a difficult 0-14 campaign last year.
Now in his second season with the Red Warriors, coach Chris Gavina wants to see continued growth from his young squad and believes their confidence can translate into better results on the court.
“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.
Meanwhile, 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 a University of Santo Tomas side still smarting from a 92-85 loss to University of the Philippines at 5:30 p.m.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Coach Topex Robinson knows La Salle will have its hands full against the Growling Tigers, who 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.
La Salle will also look for one of its 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 this Saturday to join Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 for the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games.
La Salle aces Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo, the reigning UAAP 3×3 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.
