As they prepare for Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) senior high school boys’ basketball tournament, De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) head coach Gian Nazario is putting equal importance on something that cannot be measured on a stat sheet — helping four young players heal and rebuild after one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Rather than rushing Macky Pelegrino, Matt Cayetano, JM Sanoria and Rhysus Bajetin into the rotation, Nazario is giving the former Ateneo de Davao University standouts what they need most: patience, stability and a fresh start.

The quartet had originally committed to play for Ateneo de Manila University after leading Blue Knights to back-to-back finals appearances in the Palarong Pambansa, including last May’s edition in Agusan del Sur.

Those plans, however, changed following the tragic death of teammate Rene Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora in June.

With that, the four recruits were left without a school in Manila before DLSZ opened its doors.

“Again, everyone is still adjusting. It’s a work in progress, not only for the players but also for the coaching staff,” Nazario said during an appearance on Off the Court, the weekly sports show of the DAILY TRIBUNE, last Thursday.

“Everyone is doing their part to make this work. We want this to be a fruitful experience not only for the players from Davao but for all the recruits joining the team.”

Welcoming with open arms

The opportunity to bring the Davao standouts to their Vermosa campus came unexpectedly.

Nazario, who also serves as an assistant coach of La Salle’s men’s basketball team, admitted he had to act quickly after receiving a call from the players’ representative.

“Because of the incident that happened, it was actually a very serendipitous feeling, if I would say that correctly. I got a call from their agent, and they asked if it was still possible for the Davao boys to catch up with DLSZ. We all know that the school year has already started,” said Nazario, one of the trusted assistant coaches of La Salle coach Topex Robinson.

“Of course, I can’t really pass on that kind of talent. I had to call the school and find ways to get them in. They agreed, and the school allowed it.”

But Nazario stressed that bringing them to De La Salle-Zobel was never just about basketball.

Understanding the emotional toll of losing a teammate, the school is making sure the four players receive support beyond the court.

“When they start their education at DLSZ, we’ll also be offering counseling sessions for the kids. As we all know, they’re still kids,” Nazario said.

“They’re very, very vulnerable, and it’s important that we help them mentally because of what happened.”

While the emotional healing continues, the basketball work has also begun.

Preaching patience

Fresh from steering the Junior Archers to their first Final Four appearance since 2016, Nazario knows another deep run will require patience, especially with several new faces still learning the system.

“Right now, we’re focusing on individual skill development and helping everyone improve their craft. At the same time, we’re slowly building familiarity and chemistry,” Nazario said.

‘Everyone is doing their part to make this work. We want this to be a fruitful experience not only for the players from Davao but for all the recruits joining the team.’

“We’ve only had six or seven practices with the four new players. I’m fortunate because they’re very coachable and eager to learn. That’s something we can continue to build on, even when the season starts.”

Nazario will also lean on his veteran core to help ease the newcomers’ transition.

“We still have a solid group of holdovers. Ken Atienza is entering his final year after being with the program for four years. We also have Nino Ferrer, who transferred from JRU (Jose Rizal University) last year. He’s shown a lot of maturity and commitment,” he said.

“Then there are John and Jake Alfafara, twin brothers from Davao and former teammates of the new Davao recruits. They were the first among that group to move to Manila, and I’m expecting a lot from them this season.”

For Nazario, however, talent alone will not determine how far the Junior Archers can go.

“I’m just hoping everyone continues to practice patience. It’s not easy. There are still a lot of adjustments to make over the next few months,” he said, stressing that his team is not just a talent factory, but a sanctuary where players will feel loved, appreciated and valued.

“These players are hardworking. If you combine patience with hard work, it will eventually bear fruit.”

For Nazario, that’s the blueprint not only for a successful basketball program, but also for helping young athletes move forward.

Sometimes, the biggest victories aren’t measured by wins and losses, but by making sure every player feels he has found a place to belong.