The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons men’s basketball team lost one of its newest recruits in Israel Osamudiame Friday, who passed away on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old Friday, who is from Abuja, Nigeria, collapsed during practice, also last Tuesday.
He was immediately brought to a nearby hospital where efforts to revive him failed.
The 6’10” Friday recently transferred from Centro Escolar University and played for their Scorpions squad in the University and Colleges Athletic League.
The death of Friday came just two months after 18-year-old Ashlyn Abong, who played for the National University girls’ basketball team and Gilas Pilipinas Youth, also died after collapsing in practice.
The Fighting Maroons recently came back from their training stint in Serbia, and included Friday in their trip.
The Maroons are adopting to the European style of basketball, expecting to be at their best fighting form in Season 88 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Members of the team trained in Europe, flying to Serbia last June 15 for a 17-day training camp.
The 16-man roster which went to Serbia included four veterans in their final year, led by skipper Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea and Jan Felicilda.
Seven Gagate, who is recovering from an injury, also joined the trip.
Their new inclusions include Rey Remogat and Miguel Yñiguez, who are coming out of the year’s residency following their transfer from University of the East. Also with the team is 6’9” Nigerian standout Francis Nnoruka.
The squad will be without veterans Quentin Millora-Brown, Francis Lopez and Season 87 Finals Most Valuable Player JD Cagulangan, who have all graduated.
