The University of the Philippines has been thrown into mourning after the sudden death of its Nigerian basketball recruit, Israel Osamudiame Friday.
The 19-year-old collapsed on Tuesday while training inside the Varsity Training Centre in Diliman. He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead by doctors.
Friday, who would have turned 20 on September 6, was one of the newest signings for the school’s basketball team, the Fighting Maroons.
Confirming the heartbreaking news, Bo Perasol, Director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development, said the entire university was in shock.
He explained:
“UP is heartbroken to confirm that one of our newest recruits, Israel Osamudiame, collapsed during practice yesterday. He was immediately brought to a nearby hospital where, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away.”
Perasol added that the school was standing by the young player’s loved ones.
“UP is in close contact with his family and is extending its full support during this difficult time. The university asks everyone to respect the privacy of his family, as they grieve this tragic loss,” he said.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Friday was a rising forward from Abuja, Nigeria. He recently transferred from Centro Escolar University, where he played for the Scorpions in the University and Colleges Athletic League.
Though he was expected to sit out a one-year residency before joining the competition in UAAP Season 89, his size, skill, and athletic ability had already marked him as one of the most promising frontcourt players in Philippine college basketball.
