Blue Knight takes flight: Rene Baterbonia’s path to Loyola Heights

In a basketball-crazed country like the Philippines, young promising hoopers can come in all places, shapes, and sizes, exhibiting their potential whenever the opportunity presents itself.

One player that seized key moments in order to get closer to his hoops dreams was Ateneo de Davao's Rene Baterbonia, who recently committed his collegiate years to Tab Baldwin and Ateneo de Manila University.

Not initially starting out as a basketball player, the six-foot-four Baterbonia confessed that he could not have ever imagined being part of a historic program like the Blue Eagles, while also pursuing his higher education in Loyola Heights.

“Ateneo de Manila University is my dream school since bata pa. 'Yung sports ko dati, soccer ako…tapos dream school ko talaga Ateneo. Hindi ko akalain na makakamit ko pala ‘yun, tapos iba na ‘yung sports ko,” Baterbonia told GMA News Online.

This past year was when the 17-year-old stamped himself as one of the most sought after high school recruits, particularly due to his strong showings in Palarong Pambansa and subsequently in the ASEAN School Games.

Leading Davao City to a historic first gold medal in the national multi-sporting event, Baterbonia scored 19 points in the championship game against Western Visayas, catapulting him to win Most Valuable Player honors and also a Mythical Five selection.

A few months later, the Blue Knight chipped in with 21 points to help the Philippine Boys Basketball Team claim gold during the 14th ASEAN School Games, beating Malaysia, 90-86.

Baterbonia carried over his stellar form into the new year, competing in Division 1 of the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals with Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto.

A lanky big man with potential to fill out his frame and dominate the paint even further, Baterbonia showed glimpses of what the Atenean community can look forward to, culminating in him being selected as an NBTC All-Star and Division 1’s Best Defensive Player.

Despite showing his eagerness to start his Ateneo journey, the young cager said that he still has his sights set on fulfilling unfinished business for Ateneo de Davao Senior High and Davao City’s title defense in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

“Nagkausap na kami ni Coach Tab, pero pupunta ako dito sa Manila pagkatapos ng Palarong Pambansa. Tatapusin ko muna 'yung mga event and liga ko doon sa Davao,” said Baterbonia right before playing in the Mall of Asia Arena for the first time.

“Gusto namin talaga mag back-to-back champion. Alam naman namin na sobrang hirap gawin n’un, pero ita-try namin to do our best. We win talaga as a team and focus lang palagi,” he added.

Acknowledging that he is still a work in progress, the Agusan del Sur native stated that he will tackle the early challenges of moving into uncharted waters as he always has: with hard work and the willingness to improve.

“Marami pa akong gustong gawin, gusto kong i-prove sa sarili ko na kaya ko,” asserted Baterbonia.

“Focus lang palagi…Pagtatrabahuhan ko pa lahat ng weakness ko. Iba yung sistema dito, iba rin yung sa Davao, so magpa-practice at magpa-practice lang ako, at mag-i-improve ako ng one year and above, ganyan lang.”

—JKC, GMA News