Ateneo de Davao retires Rene Baterbonia's No. 2 jersey, renames court in his honor

MANILA, June 17 ------ Rene Baterbonia's legacy will forever be remembered by the Ateneo de Davao University, as they paid tribute to the late student-athlete who brought them great pride.

The Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School covered court has been renamed the Rene "Bobet" Baterbonia Covered Court in his honor. The school, which he led to greater heights, has officially retired his No. 2 jersey. "These are lasting testaments to a young man whose heart and talent left an indelible mark on everyone who watched him play," the Ateneo de Davao University wrote in a post on its official Facebook page.

Jess Evangelio, Baterbonia's former coach, reflected on the honor given to his player. "No one will ever wear jersey number 2 again here at Ateneo de Davao. It will forever belong to you, Bobet. You were truly one of one, my brother. There will never be another you," he wrote on his Facebook. "We will forever be storytellers of your greatness, my brother. Rest well, MVP. Your journey may have ended, but your story will be told for generations to come," Evangelio added.

The Ateneo de Davao University has also offered full scholarships until college to Baterbonia's six siblings. Baterbonia was born and raised in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur before moving to Davao City to pursue his studies and basketball. While with the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School, Baterbonia brought glory both on the national and international basketball scene.

The young basketball star led the Davao Region to its first secondary boys basketball title in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where he was also hailed Most Valuable Player. Baterbonia once again led the Davao Eagles to the 2026 Palarong Pambansa finals, but their back-to-back title bid was foiled by Region IV-A Calabarzon.

The Talacogon native also represented the Philippines and Davao City in Brunei, as Team Pilipinas-Davao won gold in the 2025 ASEAN School Games. Baterbonia and his Ateneo Blue Eagles teammate Divine Adili died in a drowning incident last Monday during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com