MANILA, Philippines– Ashlyn Abong, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas Girls’ basketball team and a standout player at National University, died at the age of 18.
The team and head coach Patrick Aquino confirmed her death on Friday after she collapsed during practice. Medical efforts to revive Abong at the hospital were unsuccessful.
Abong, known for her calm and friendly nature, made significant contributions to her team at Nazareth-National University.
She demonstrated her basketball talent by averaging 5.0 points and 4.3 rebounds during the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup Division B. Gilas Pilipinas expressed their pride in Abong and the deep sense of loss her passing has caused.
They paid tribute to her on social media, highlighting her jersey number 21 and her impact on the team.