A COACH'S player.
That’s how Gilas Pilipinas Women program director Pat Aquino described national youth team player Ashlyn Abong, who unfortunately succumbed to a heart attack on Friday (June 27).
She was only 18.
“Malakas ang katawan and magaling. Sobrang mabait at masayahing bata,” said Aquino of Abong, an obvious tinge of sadness in his voice, as he remembered the NU-Nazareth School Lady Bullpup and Gilas Girls member.
Abong was part of the NUNS squad of coach Cams Escoto which finished runner-up to University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 87 when the girls’ tournament made a comeback in the league after a five-year hiatus.
She was also with the national youth team under coach Julie Amos which won the Division B title in last year’s FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China - earning the Philippines a promotion to Division A.
The 5-foot-11 player was set to graduate in high school next week and was already committed to the Lady Bulldogs for the coming Season 88.
Unfortunate incident
She was practicing with coach Aris Dimaunahan and the rest of defending champion National U when the unfortunate incident happened.
“They were supposed to leave for Taiwan (on Sunday) and they were practicing with coach Aris when she suffered a heart attack,” said Aquino.
The Lady Bulldogs were preparing for the BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational Tournament in Chinese Taipei.
First aid was applied by the school’s medical team, as it tried to revive Abong before bringing her immediately to the hospital.
Aquino said the team wasn’t aware if Abong had any current heart conditions.
“Wala naman kaming idea. Wala naman as we know,” he added.
Gilas later shared on its social media account its heartfelt gratitude and tribute to its late player.
"We'll miss your smile, your warmth, and the quiet strength you brought into every room and every game. We are very proud of you," part of the national team's post read.
"Thank you for being our teammate, for being our pride, for being Ash. We play for you now. We carry your spirit in every step."
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