National University will compete in the 2025 BLIA Cup University Basketball Invitational in Taiwan starting Wednesday, with fallen teammate Ashlyn Abong in their hearts and minds.
Abong, who was set to transition from the high school team to the Lady Bulldogs, tragically passed away on Friday after collapsing during training. She was only 18 years old.
During the 2025 Collegiate Press Corps Awards held Monday, NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan shared that the team will dedicate every game moving forward to Abong.
“Hopefully, mabigyan namin yung family ni Abong ng magagandang games for them na mahonor namin si Ashlyn Abong,” said Dimaunahan.
“We’re grieving, and we are bringing Ashlyn Abong’s love for the game every time we play moving forward. Dadalhin namin kung anong saya ang ibinibigay niya sa amin.”
Dimaunahan, who was named the 2025 CPC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, remembered Abong as someone who radiated joy both on and off the court.
Standing at 5-foot-11, Abong made a lasting impact not only with the NU Lady Bullpups but also as part of the Gilas Girls program. She played a key role in the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Thank you everyone, kanina binigyan niyo ng tribute yung fallen player natin si Ashlyn Abong. Thank you for taking time na ma-recognize nila yung naibigay niya sa basketball at a very young age,” said Dimaunahan.
“It’s a very difficult week for all of us. We’ve lost a beloved one — our sister, our teammate. She brought light, joy, tenacity, and intensity in whatever she did,” he added.
“I would also like to thank the community, the other teams, and all those who reached out asking what happened to Abong. Thank you very much sa lahat ng prayers ninyo.”
The Lady Bulldogs will open their BLIA Cup campaign against the University of Taipei on Wednesday. They will then face Shih Hsin University on Thursday and the Victoria Select Team on Friday.
#WATCH: NU head coach and CPC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year Aris Dimaunahan dedicates their BLIA Cup campaign to Ashlyn Abong, the incoming freshman who tragically passed away last Friday 🏀
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/sJCSWRy9bi
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 30, 2025
