Photo: FIBA

Ateneo de Manila University announced the passing of two members of their men’s basketball team, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, Philippines.

The 19-year-old Baterbonia is a newly recruited player, a standout guard-forward, and known for his strong showing in youth competitions after dominating the “Palarong Pambansa” in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines.

Baterbonia is expected to compete in this year’s UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

While 21-year-old Adili, a Nigerian foreign student-athlete, played in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament last year.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the country’s basketball federation, released a statement that it is already in contact with Ateneo’s basketball officials to assist.

“As the National Sports Association for basketball, the SBP has been in communication with the University’s basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed, with particular attention given to those most affected by this tragic incident.”

The Ateneo men’s basketball program is under head coach Tab Baldwin, a former coach of the New Zealand national team.

Baldwin is also known for eight seasons with the Auckland Stars, winning five NBL titles, and was named NBL Coach of the Year four times.