UST GROWLING Tigers forward Koji Buenaflor has denied online claims that he was a cousin of the late Ateneo Blue Eagle Rene Baterbonia, clarifying that they had no family ties.
Buenaflor issued the clarification on Wednesday, Sept. 2, when the claims gained traction following UST’s semifinal victory over Ateneo in Pinoyliga – The Big Dance on Monday (Aug. 31), where he tallied seven points and six rebounds.
“I would like to respectfully clarify that Rene and I were not related by blood or by family,” Buenaflor said. “I am making this clarification to prevent any misunderstanding or confusion regarding our connection.”
“Regardless of our lack of family relation, I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Rene during this difficult time,” he added.
Claims that Buenaflor and Baterbonia were cousins had circulated on social media, with some users pointing to their supposed resemblance and similar playing styles.
Other posts falsely claimed that Buenaflor was half-Nigerian in an apparent attempt to connect him to Divine Adili, the Nigerian student-athlete who drowned with Baterbonia during an Ateneo team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora in June.
Baterbonia, the 2025 Palarong Pambansa Finals MVP who led Davao Region to its first basketball gold medal, drew widespread online attention following his death.
Buenaflor is entering his sophomore season with the Growling Tigers and is expected to take on a bigger role following the departure of Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao.
He helped the UST Tiger Cubs end a 24-year UAAP juniors title drought by winning the Season 87 championship.
Buenaflor is also set to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in 3×3 basketball at the 20th Asian Games from Sept. 21 to 25, a window that falls in the middle of UAAP Season 89.
He made his national team debut at the Youth Nations League-Asia 2 Conference, where the Philippines secured a berth in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup.
De La Salle’s Luis Pablo and former Tiger Cub Doy Dungo will join Buenaflor on the Asian Games roster.
