Jimmy Alapag gets emotional over Ateneo tragedy, reacts to sand-running training for athletes
- Jimmy Alapag shared his thoughts on the deaths of Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda
- The new NLEX Road Warriors head coach extended his condolences to the families, saying the tragedy is something no parent should ever experience
- Alapag also answered questions about beach training, confirming that he has conducted sand running drills in the past
- His remarks add to the growing number of voices from the Philippine basketball community mourning the loss of the two young student-athletes
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Former Gilas Pilipinas captain and newly appointed NLEX Road Warriors head coach Jimmy Alapag has shared his thoughts on the tragic deaths of Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
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Alapag spoke about the incident during his guest appearance on Thursday’s episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, where he was asked about the June tragedy that claimed the lives of the two Ateneo student-athletes during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Host Boy Abunda first asked the basketball icon for his reaction to the heartbreaking incident.
“Pumanaw ang dalawang student-athletes ng Ateneo de Manila University, you know the story. What are your thoughts?” Boy asked.
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Responding as both a coach and a father, Alapag said his immediate thoughts were with the grieving families.
“I think, first, as a parent – because we have our own kids – obviously, it was a very tragic situation, so our hearts go out to the parents first and foremost. It was devastating to the country, to the basketball community, but I think, first and foremost, again, our hearts go out to the family kasi it’s a tragedy that you’d never wish on any parent,” he said.
His remarks echoed the sentiments expressed by many personalities in Philippine basketball who have offered condolences following the deaths of Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21.
The interview also touched on the topic of beach conditioning after Boy Abunda asked whether sand running is a legitimate training method commonly used by coaches.
“Jimmy, tanong lang, bilang coach, nangyayari ba talaga ’yon? ’Yung tinatawag nilang ‘sand running’ to strengthen the calves? Do you do that as a coach?” Boy asked.
Alapag acknowledged that sand running has been used as part of training programs, although he noted that it was not something he practiced while coaching in the United States.
“While I was in the States, no. But I have done it in the past, yes,” he answered.
The tragic deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have prompted broader discussions within the sports community about athlete safety, risk management, and the proper conduct of off-court training activities.
Investigations by the appropriate authorities into the circumstances surrounding the June 8 incident remain ongoing.
The deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili have left a lasting mark on the Philippine basketball community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from athletes, coaches, alumni, students, and supporters both in the Philippines and abroad. Alongside the widespread expressions of grief, numerous sectors have also called for a comprehensive investigation to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify measures that could help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Earlier, former Ateneo Blue Eagles player and television host Chris Tiu expressed his solidarity with the Ateneo community following the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Tiu encouraged unity during this difficult period and offered prayers for the bereaved families, teammates, coaches, and everyone affected by the heartbreaking tragedy.
Previously, Rene Baterbonia Sr. spent his first Father’s Day mourning the loss of his son, basketball standout Bobet Baterbonia. The grieving father reflected on the pain of celebrating the occasion without his child and shared how he personally coached and guided Bobet throughout his basketball journey from an early age. Despite the immense grief his family continues to endure, he encouraged fellow parents to remain actively involved in supporting and nurturing their children’s dreams and aspirations.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
