Four Davao standouts decommit from Ateneo, join La Salle Zobel

MANILA, Philippines—Four Davao prospects who had previously committed to Ateneo have instead chosen to continue their high school basketball careers with La Salle Zobel.

Macky Peligrino, Matt Cayetano, JM Sanoria and Rhysus Bajentin were among the Ateneo de Davao recruits expected to join the Blue Eagles pipeline in the UAAP before ultimately opting for the Junior Archers.

The development comes in the wake of the death of fellow Blue Knights’ standout Rene Baterbonia, who was expected to join Ateneo’s seniors team before he died in a drowning incident during the Blue Eagles’ team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Ateneo de Davao coach Jess Linus Evangelio confirmed the move in a Facebook post on Saturday.

“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,” he wrote.

“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.”

Evangelio expressed confidence that the four recruits will represent Davao well in their new colors, playing under La Salle Zobel’s new head coach, Gian Nazario.

“We do not take this opportunity lightly. Our boys are committed to working hard, staying humble, and representing the Lasallian community with pride, discipline, and integrity both on and off the court,” Evangelio also said.

Baterbonia died at the age of 19 after drowning during the Ateneo team building in Dipaculao, Aurora, last week. Divine Adili, Ateneo’s foreign student-athlete in Season 88, also died. He was 21 years old.