University of the Philippines has strengthened its roster ahead of UAAP Season 89, adding former Gilas Pilipinas Girls standout Ashley Loon in hopes of bolstering its bid to return to the women’s basketball Final Four.
Loon, a 5-foot-7 guard, has committed to a one-and-done stint with the Fighting Maroons, reuniting with former Gilas Pilipinas Youth teammates Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco.
The trio previously helped the Philippines capture the bronze medal in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2022 Division B.
For first-year head coach Eric Altamirano, Loon’s arrival gives UP another reliable option on both ends of the floor while reviving an already-established partnership with Ozar and Nolasco.
“Ashley gives us another option on offense, and more size na rin on defense,” said Altamirano. “More importantly, makikita natin, hopefully, yung chemistry nila ni Louna and Camille coming from Gilas.”
Loon headlines a group of newcomers as the Fighting Maroons look to snap a two-season Final Four drought after last making the semifinals in UAAP Season 86.
UP retained much of its core with Ozar, Nolasco, Kaye Pesquera, Ninay Tapawan, and Achrissa Maw staying in the fold, while also beefing up its frontcourt with the additions of 6-foot Kennan Ka and 6-foot-2 Blessing Chuole Francis.
The Fighting Maroons also brought in experienced one-and-done guards Claire Tapinit from Centro Escolar University and Rica Torres from Rizal Technological University.
Standing 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-6, respectively, Tapinit and Torres are expected to provide additional depth in the backcourt as UP begins a new era under Altamirano, who steered the Fighting Maroons to the 1986 UAAP men’s basketball championship as a player alongside Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc.
“Excited tayo for all the talent coming in to strengthen yung foundation built by the veterans. Hopefully, mabilis silang maka-adapt and maka-contribute sa atin,” Altamirano said.
Also joining the Fighting Maroons is Chiang Kai Shek College standout Ashley Mabazza.
The 20-year-old, 5-foot-6 guard will redshirt her first season in Diliman before becoming eligible to play for UP.
