NU Lady Bulldogs tactician Aris Dimaunahan gives a heartfelt tribute to departed NUNS and Gilas Youth stalwart Ashlyn Abong.
National University head coach Aris Dimaunahan made sure to honor his recently departed star, Ashlyn Abong, on a night of personal glory.
Awarded as the Collegiate Press Corps Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, Dimaunahan paid tribute to Abong, who tragically passed away last June 27 after collapsing during a practice session.
“This is a very difficult week for all of us. We’ve lost a beloved one, our sister, our teammate,” an emotional Dimaunahan said shortly after receiving his award on Monday at the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night in Ortigas.
“She brought a lot of light, joy, tenacity, intensity in whatever she does, whatever she did sa court. She represented our school and our family very, very well. And again, we are grieving, we are grieving differently.
Ashlyn Abong was part of the Nazareth School-NU Lady Bullpups’ silver medal run in UAAP Season 87, averaging 11.63 points and 10.63 rebounds in the first UAAP Girls’ Basketball Tournament staging in five seasons.
The 18-year-old had also played for Gilas Pilipinas Youth, being part of the core that won the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B championship in July last year.
Painful as the loss is, Dimaunahan promised to uphold the rising star’s memory, starting with National U’s participation in the 2025 BLIA Cup this July.
“Again, we are grieving, and we are bringing Ashlyn Abong’s love for the game every time we play, moving forward. Dadalhin namin kung ano ‘yung saya na binibigay niya samin,” said Dimaunahan, who also thanked the outpouring of support for National U and Abong.
“Hopefully mabigyan namin ‘yung family ni Abong ng mga magagandang games for them para ma-honor namin si Ashlyn Abong.”
As he and NU dedicate their games to Abong, Dimaunahan also shared that psychological aid has been prioritized for the Lady Bulldogs and Abong’s family.
“The primary goal ng management namin ‘yan and the entire community is, syempre, to help the family of Abong, and make sure that the coaches and our players have the emotional and professional help that we need.”
Banner images from the UAAP Media Bureau and FIBA.