Memories of Baterbonia shared by his high school coach amid loss, grief

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Rene Baterbonia’s longtime high school coach and mentor, Jess Linus Evangelio, head coach of the Ateneo de Davao boys basketball team, shared heartfelt memories of his former player following the tragic drowning incident in Aurora on June 8, where Baterbonia and another player died.

In a Facebook post, Evangelio recalled how the 19-year-old from Tagolocan, Agusan del Sur, once told him his dream was to play for Ateneo de Manila University, one of the most successful programs in UAAP men’s basketball.

READ: Two Ateneo Blue Eagles players die in alleged drowning incident

“When we were in Brunei, I asked you, ‘What’s your dream school?’ Without hesitation, you answered, ‘Ateneo de Manila University.’ When I accompanied you to Ateneo on June 4 before your first practice, you were so happy and excited to finally be in Manila,” Evangelio wrote. “I still remember you saying, ‘Kung naa koy chance mo dunk, mo dunk ko (If I have the chance to dunk, I will dunk).’ And you did.”

Evangelio said Baterbonia quickly stood out during training, impressing coaches and teammates with his athleticism and powerful dunks. The young forward had already built a strong following on social media on top of earning MVP honors and a gold medal at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa with the DAVRAA Eagles.

READ: Ateneo rookie Rene Baterbonia’s mom rues letting him go to Manila

“On your very first day of practice, you showed everyone that you could slam the ball so hard,” he added. “I miss you, brother. Words can’t explain the pain and grief I feel. Your attitude and positivity were your secret weapons, not just in basketball, but in life,” he said.

“You inspired everyone around you with your smile, your work ethic, and your belief in your dreams. I’m proud of you, Bet. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the brotherhood. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. Love you, Bet. Forever,” he further said.

READ: Baterbonia, Adili drowning: PSC to convene panel of stakeholders

Evangelio played a key role in nurturing Baterbonia’s talent during his high school years at Ateneo de Davao.

Currently, he is in Manila at the Arlington Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Quezon City, where Baterbonia’s remains lie alongside Divine Adili.

READ: Police say no weights attached to bodies of drowned Ateneo athletes

Baterbonia’s remains are expected to be flown back to Agusan del Sur, in his hometown, but an autopsy by the NBI and CIDG has yet to be conducted first.

For Cebuano basketball fans, Evangelio is also known for leading the gritty Davao Occidental Dreamers during the bubble-style tournament held in Cebu in 2022.

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