Prized recruits Macky Pelegrino, Matt Cayetano, JM Sanoria and Rhysus Bajetin are slowly but surely getting adjusted to their new school, new teammates and new life at De La Salle Santiago Zobel.

Junior Green Archers head coach Gian Nazario said he appreciates that the former Ateneo de Davao University boys are eager to learn and patient as they find their way into his rotation in Season 89 University Athletic Association of the Philippines senior high school basketball competition.

The four members of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa champion team from Ateneo de Davao University were supposed to suit up for Ateneo de Manila University’s high school program.

But the had a change of heart following the tragic deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia during a team-building activity last June in Dipaculao, Aurora last month.

“They’ve been here since last week and have already had around six or seven practices. One thing I really appreciate is that everyone in De La Salle Zobel has welcomed them with open arms,” Nazario said during his guesting at Off the Court, the weekly online sports show of the DAILY TRIBUNE.

“They’ve been adjusting pretty well. We acknowledge that there are some growing pains, not only for the four guys from Davao but also for the other new players coming in.”

Nazario, who also serves as an assistant coach for the De La Salle University men’s basketball team, said the players’ humility has made the adjustment easier.

“The good thing is they’re very humble. They ask questions and they’re very open to learning,” Nazario said.

“We always preach patience because adjusting doesn’t happen automatically.”

Nazario said the best way they could help the players cope with the trauma of the tragedy is by helping them focus on training while the school provides counseling sessions.

“On my part, we don’t really discuss it during basketball activities. These boys came to Manila to play basketball, and I believe basketball is one part of the healing process. I’m allowing them to be themselves and return to their normal lives as students and student-athletes at La Salle,” Nazario added.

“As far as the school is concerned, we will have counseling sessions to help them adjust and cope with any mental or emotional concerns. We know this was an unexpected circumstance. They’re still minors, so before bringing them on board, we made sure that aside from basketball, they would also receive counseling support.”

Despite the noise surrounding the Davao recruits, Nazario said they are only focused on improving the squad as they look to improve from their Final Four finish for Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament next year.

“It’s a work in progress, not only for the players but also for the coaching staff. Everyone is doing their part to make this work,” Nazario said.