Kristan Yumul is set to bolster the future of the University of the Philippines after joining the Fighting Maroons’ pool.
Although just 21 years old, the 5-foot-6 Fil-Am guard already boasts an impressive résumé on the international stage.
Yumul played a crucial role in helping the Gilas Pilipinas Girls Under-16 team earn promotion to Division A of the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship in 2022, averaging an outstanding 21.6 points per game throughout the tournament.
She also suited up for the Gilas Under-18 squad later that same year, contributing 10.6 points per game as the Philippines secured another promotion to Division A in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship.
Yumul continued her rise by making her debut for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s national team in 2024 and was recently part of the national 3×3 squad that competed in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Asia Pacific Conference.
She headlines a group of five new additions to the Fighting Maroons’ pool as UP continues to build for the future even with its focus on UAAP Season 89.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Joining Yumul in serving the mandatory one-year residency are Fil-Am twin guards Heart and Hannah Lising, both 21 years old, who previously starred for Los Angeles Mission College before deciding to continue their basketball careers in the Philippines under head coach Eric Altamirano.
Also set to spend a year on the sidelines is 19-year-old Fil-Aussie forward Lecita Sherriffs, who stands 5-foot-10.
Rounding out the incoming group is 6-foot-4 Nigerian center Okesola Victoria Olauluwa, 18, who will also complete residency before eventually teaming up with fellow Nigerian Blessing Chuole Francis.
Their arrival comes as the UAAP now allows two foreign student-athletes to be included in a team’s lineup.
“Siyempre, recruitment naman ang lifeblood of any program, and we’re just happy for the trust these players gave us, even as they wait for a year before being able to play,” said Altamirano.
“What we can promise naman is all of them will be given the chance to prove themselves, kasi kailangan natin lahat sila.”
While the newcomers await their eligibility for UAAP Season 90, UP remains focused on its Season 89 campaign, with seniors Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco leading the squad alongside highly regarded recruits Kennan Ka, Ashley Loon, and Francis.
The Fighting Maroons are aiming to return to the Final Four after finishing fifth and seventh over the last two UAAP women’s basketball seasons.
