The basketball journey that once seemed destined to continue in Ateneo colors is now headed in a different direction.
Several weeks after the tragic passing of teammate and close friend Rene Baterbonia, four of Ateneo de Davao’s most promising young players have officially moved away from their original collegiate path, choosing La Salle Zobel as the next destination in their development.
Head coach Jess Evangelio confirmed that Rhysus Bajenting, Matt Cayetano, JM Sanoria, and Macky Peligrino will join the Junior Archers program after previously committing to Ateneo.
The decision closes one chapter for a group that became synonymous with one of the most successful periods in Ateneo de Davao basketball history.
Together, the quartet helped elevate the program’s profile on the national stage, capturing the 2025 Palarong Pambansa championship, winning gold in the ASEAN School Games, and finishing with a silver medal in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.
Their rise also came alongside Baterbonia, whose death earlier this month sent shockwaves through the basketball community and deeply affected teammates, coaches, and supporters.
Now, instead of continuing toward Ateneo, the four players will begin a fresh chapter under the La Salle system.
For Evangelio, the move is about more than basketball opportunities.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
“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,” Evangelio said in a social media post.
The transfer represents a significant recruiting boost for La Salle Zobel, which gains four players who arrive with championship experience and a track record of success on major stages.
At the same time, it marks a notable shift in the landscape of Philippine grassroots basketball. A group once expected to strengthen Ateneo’s future now finds itself preparing to wear green instead of blue.
As Bajenting, Cayetano, Sanoria, and Peligrino move forward, they carry with them the accomplishments they built in Davao, the lessons from a remarkable run together, and the memory of a teammate whose impact remains part of their story.
Their destination may have changed, but the expectations surrounding one of the country’s most accomplished young basketball cores remain as high as ever.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.