Gilas Mourns the Loss of Ashlyn Abong
The Philippine women’s basketball community is mourning the untimely passing of Ashlyn Abong, an 18-year-old standout from the Gilas Pilipinas Girls team and National University Nazareth School. Her death was confirmed on Saturday, June 28, 2025, through a heartfelt tribute shared by Gilas Pilipinas Women on social media.
Ashlyn collapsed during a training session at National University, as confirmed by Gilas program director Patrick Aquino. Despite immediate medical attention and efforts to revive her, she unfortunately did not survive.
Teammates and coaches fondly remembered Ashlyn for her calm presence and warm personality. They described her as quiet, kind, and strong. Although she did not speak much, she was always the first to greet others. That simple gesture, they said, reflected her gentle and thoughtful heart, and her constant concern for those around her.
Ashlyn, who wore jersey #21, played a vital role both on and off the court. She represented the Philippines in international competitions, including the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B last year. In that tournament, she delivered a standout performance against the Maldives, scoring 14 points, collecting eight rebounds, and making crucial defensive plays. Her contributions helped Gilas earn promotion to Division A — a significant milestone for the women’s national basketball program.
In the local scene, Ashlyn was a key player for the NU Lady Bullpups during UAAP Season 87, helping her team achieve a second-place finish. Her commitment, determination, and heart made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
The team said she was more than just a basketball player — she was a friend, a teammate, and a steady source of strength. They shared that they would miss her smile, her warmth, and the quiet strength she brought into every game and every room she entered. To them, she will always be their teammate, their #21, and their beloved Ash.
Her passing comes just days before the national team’s upcoming international tournaments. As they move forward, her teammates vow to carry her spirit with them in every game they play.