UAAP: Four of Rene Baterbonia's Davao teammates commit to De La Salle Zobel

A familiar bond from Davao will now continue in the UAAP as four former teammates of Rene Baterbonia have officially committed to De La Salle Santiago Zobel after initial reports suggested they would join Ateneo de Manila University.

Ateneo de Davao head coach Jess Evangelio confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Saturday with Palarong Pambansa stars Macky Pelegrino, Matt Cayetano, JM Sanoria, and Rhysus Bajenting now heading to DLSZ.

"It is with great pride and gratitude that I finally confirm that our boys will be joining La Salle Zobel as they begin an exciting new chapter in their basketball and academic journey," Evangelio said.

"We are truly thankful to La Salle Zobel for opening its doors and providing them with the opportunity to grow not only as athletes, but also as students and young men of character. Your trust and belief in their potential mean so much to all of us."

The quartet played alongside Baterbonia in their time at Ateneo de Davao, helping the school and the region dominate the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte, where they clinched Davao's first-ever title in the tournament.

The following year, the intact squad remained a powerhouse team but lost to Region IV-A CALABARZON in the finals.

Their move to DLSZ came in the aftermath of Baterbonia's untimely death.

Baterbonia, who was supposed to suit up for Ateneo de Manila University in his collegiate stint, died in a drowning incident with Divine Adili last June 8.

Probes into their death continue with head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo already turning in their resignations.

—JKC, GMA News