HOOPS

Fighting Maroons boost roster

Mark Escarlote · Aug 6, 2026, 3:37 AM

UP women’s basketball team transferees Hannah Lising, Kristan Yumul and Heart Lising are among the five recruits of the Fighting Maroons serving residency for next year’s UAAP Season 90. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of UP

University of the Philippines continues to invest in the future of its women’s basketball team.

Five more players have been added to the Fighting Maroons’ pool, headlined by Filipino-American twins Heart and Hannah Lising.

They will serve a one-year residency before being eligible to play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 90.

Head coach Eric Altamirano is taking advantage of the opportunity to acquire fresh recruits that will help the squad’s aspirations to reclaim the championship that has eluded the school since completing a four-peat in the early 80s.

“Of course, recruitment is the 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,” Altamirano said.

“What we can promise is all of them will be given the chance to prove themselves, because we need all of them.”

The 21-year-old Lisings have made a splash as a backcourt tandem for the Los Angeles Mission College before deciding to move to the Philippines.

Also serving residency are 5-foot-6 Filipino-American Kristan Yumul and 19-year-old, 5-foot-10 Filipino-Australian Lecita Sherriffs.

Towering 6-foot-4 Nigerian Okesola Victoria Olauluwa has also joined the UP side. The 18-year-old center is also just biding her time before linking up with compatriot Blessing Chuole Francis, with the UAAP now allowing two foreign student-athletes in the lineup.

With Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco showing the way alongside highly touted newcomers Kennan Ka, Ashley Loon and Francis, UP is hoping for a return to the playoffs in the coming Season 89 wars after finishing fifth and seventh in the last two years.