ASHLYN Abong wasn't just any other player for National University. She was pegged to be a future cornerstone for the Lady Bulldogs.
It's how coach Aris Dimaunahan described the 18-year-old who succumbed to cardiac arrest last Friday.
"Aakyat na siya dapat sa amin sa seniors. Lima silang gagraduate from high school pero si Abong lang talaga yung may spot na sa team," the mentor said. "
Stacked yung lineup namin para sa UAAP kaya hinayaan na namin yung ibang players na lumipat pero si Abong lang talaga yung kumbaga sigurado na for this UAAP."
The 5-foot-11 standout was a member of the Gilas Pilipinas Women in the 2024 Fiba U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B which earned the country promotion to the top flight of the continent.
She sustained that fine play, averaging 11.6 points and 10.4 rebounds last season and was a consistent double-double machine for NU Nazareth School.
Abong was supposed to be a big boost to the Lady Bulldogs' back-to-back quest this UAAP Season 88 after a stellar senior year in the girls division and was actually practicing with the seniors team when tragedy struck.
Dimaunahan can still feel goosebumps recounting those final moments with Abong.
"Kakasimula pa lang namin sa practice at kasama siya dun sa first team na five on the floor. Nung nakuha niya yung bola, ngumiti pa siya sa akin na parang nag-slow mo bago niya na-shoot yung layup," he recalled.
"Pero nung pabalik sa inbound, two steps lang tapos bumagsak na siya sa harap ko sa free throw line."
No signs of ailments for Ashlyn
Physical therapists and medics immediately came to Abong's aid before she was rushed to nearby Mary Chiles Hospital where doctors tried their best to revive her. The team, rightfully so, called the practice off as they prayed for her welfare.
Unfortunately, she passed away that night.
Dimaunahan said that there were no indications that Abong had any heart ailments, clearing every physical and medical examinations she had to partake which enabled her to play for NU and Gilas Women.
"Healthy talaga yung bata," he said.
The case was close to that of Gilbert Bulawan who collapsed during a Blackwater practice and later on died back in 2016.
Sadly, Dimaunahan was also on the court with the late Bulawan when the former San Sebastian collapsed.
Still in shock, NU has already extended professional help to the players and the staff while also condoling with the Abong family, with the team staying at Ashlyn's wake in Marikina City until the wee hours of the morning.
The school has also vowed to help the bereaved family while also honoring Ashlyn, who was set to graduate in senior high school this month, with her diploma.
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