The Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team is eligible to compete in Season 89, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) announced Friday, August 7.

“The Board noted the findings of the investigative government agencies, which did not make any recommendation to hold liable the student-athletes present at the incident. With this, the Board also recognizes that the Ateneo men’s basketball student-athletes are themselves victims of this tragedy,” the UAAP said in a statement.

With this, the UAAP Board said it took into consideration the student-athletes’ desire to honor the memories of their fallen teammates, Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili, through competition.

As a precondition for the university’s continued participation, the Board has required them to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of the men’s basketball team.

On Tab Baldwin

The UAAP Board also announced that former head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin is “perpetually banned” from all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity.

“He is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. This sanction is final and shall not be appealable,” the board added.

Meanwhile, Team Manager Christopher John Quimpo and other staff are suspended from participating in all UAAP competitions and related activities. During said period, the individuals mentioned are prohibited from entering all UAAP venues.

Baterbonia and Adili were the two student-athletes who drowned during the Ateneo men’s basketball team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora in June this year.