Scottie Thompson, Nards Pinto attend wake of Rene Baterbonia

Barangay Ginebra players Scottie Thompson and Nards Pinto attend the final day of Rene Baterbonia’s wake in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.–Photo from Jess Evangelio’s Facebook

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson and Nards Pinto visited the wake of Ateneo basketball player Rene Baterbonia in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.

Photos and videos from netizens and media outlets showed Thompson and Pinto paying their respects to Baterbonia, who died along with Nigerian Divine Adili in a drowning incident while at a team-building activity in Aurora.

The two PBA players were days removed from helping Ginebra capture the Commissioner’s Cup title, defeating TNT in a deciding Game 7.

READ: Scottie Thompson credits Ginebra teammates after PBA Finals MVP win

“Thank you so much my brother Scottie and Nards for visiting and paying respect to Bobet and his family,” said Baterbonia’s high school coach Jess Evangelio. “We know you should be celebrating your championship today, but nevertheless, you still took the time to stop by and share our grief.

“We are very grateful and very much appreciate your kindness and support,” added Evangelio on his social media post.

Both were part of a prominent group that came to see Baterbonia on the eve of his burial. They were joined by Thompson’s wife Jinky and actress Sofia Andres.

Thompson and Pinto are from Davao, where Baterbonia became known for his promising play as a standout of Ateneo de Davao.