Ateneo de Manila University's Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia. Photos from UAAP Media/NBTC.MANILA — Jordan Heading and the rest of TNT Tropang 5G displayed inspired basketball not only to even their PBA Finals series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel but also to pay tribute to Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
Heading scored 29 points on 5-of-7 shooting from three-point range as TNT defeated Ginebra, 106-98, in Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup Finals to tie the best-of-seven affair at 2-2.
But for the Filipino-Australian guard, the victory was also for their brothers in Loyola Heights.
"I want to take some time to give my love to the families of Rene and Divine," said Heading. "That played heavily on our minds, so I just want to give love to their families."
TNT and Ateneo share the same practice facility, the Moro Lorenzo Wellness and Sports Center inside the Katipunan campus, fostering a close relationship between the two squads, especially with Adili.
Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes also shared how Adili was always courteous whenever they crossed paths, with the Nigerian big man never failing to greet him.
"We see those guys, especially Divine, almost every single day," said Reyes. "We practice in the same facility, we lift weights in the same gym."
Former Ateneo lead deputy and current TNT assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga also recalled his time with Adili, with the two sharing plenty of moments during UAAP Season 88.
"During the time I spent with Divine, gentle soul 'yan," said Arespacochaga. "He will be missed. They will be missed."
Which is why, while TNT looks to build on its Game 4 victory heading into Game 5 on Friday, Reyes said Adili and Baterbonia's tragic deaths will continue to weigh heavily on him, particularly during practice.
"It was really surreal, now stepping into the Moro Lorenzo court without Divine's 'Good morning, coach,'" said Reyes.
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