Philippine women’s basketball has suffered a tremendous tragedy this weekend.

Philippine under-18 women’s national basketball team center Ashlyn Abong passed away after collapsing during a basketball practice, the team announced on Saturday.

She was 18.

Tragedy struck when Abong was practicing in her alma mater, National University (NU).

The 5’11 big donned the blue and gold for a silver finish in the UAAP junior girls basketball competition last Season 87.

“In loving memory of our teammate and friend Ashlyn Abong #21. Quiet, kind, and strong — that was Ash. She may not have said much, but she always said hi first. That small act meant everything. It showed her heart — gentle, thoughtful, and always looking out for others,” Gilas stated.

Abong was a back-up center during Gilas Youth’s gold medal campaign in 2024 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup Division B, averaging five points and 4.3 rebounds in just ten minutes per game, shooting an efficient 67 per cent from the field.