University of Santo Tomas head coach Pido Jarencio said the Growling Tigers would dedicate their games to the memory of the late Ateneo de Manila University member Rene Baterbonia after an emotional encounter involving Baterbonia’s mother and UST player Koji Buenaflor.
Jarencio shared the moment following UST’s 80-75 victory over De La Salle University Green Archers in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday.
According to the veteran coach, Baterbonia’s mother approached Buenaflor because of the player’s resemblance to her late son. The emotional meeting brought back memories of Rene and moved his mother to tears.
“First of all, touching ang nangyari kanina kasi iyung mother pumunta sa amin, pumunta kay Koji kasi si Koji parang lookalike ni Rene. Naalala tuloy ng nanay si Koji na siya si Rene niyakap, umiyak ang nanay,” Jarencio said.
He added that he assured Baterbonia’s mother that UST would honor Rene throughout the season.
“Ang sinabi ko naman sa kanya, nandito kayo, ide-dedicate namin lahat ng games namin para sa anak ninyo kay Rene, itong tumayong nanay,” he said.
Jarencio explained that Buenaflor had also become a reminder of Rene for Baterbonia’s family.
“Koji, naaalala nila parang anak nila. Kaya kami naman, iyan lang ang nai-offer ko sa kanila, every game dedicated to Rene Baterbonia,” the coach said.
Although Baterbonia was associated with Ateneo de Manila University, Jarencio stressed that UST’s gesture came from the team’s own compassion and respect for the late student-athlete.
“We’re not from Ateneo. Basta kami sarili namin, sa puso namin ang galing,” he said.
Baterbonia and Ateneo teammate Divine Adili died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. The UAAP honored both student-athletes with a moment of silence before Ateneo’s Season 89 opener. (Adrian Co)
The post Pido Jarencio, UST dedicate games to late Bobet Baterbonia first appeared on Fastbreak.
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