ISRAEL Osamudiame Friday, a promising recruit for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons basketball team, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 19.
According to a statement released by the UP Office for Athletics and Development on Wednesday morning, Friday collapsed during practice.
The statement indicated that Friday was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he could not be revived.
The Nigerian center had recently transferred to UP from Centro Escolar University (CEU), where he was a standout player for the CEU Scorpions in the University and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL).
The University of the Philippines is in close communication with Friday’s family and is providing full support during this difficult time.
The exact cause of his death is still being determined, and the university has requested that everyone respect the privacy of his family as they grieve this tragic loss. The 6-foot-10 Friday, who was a highly anticipated addition to the Fighting Maroons roster, was set to celebrate his 20th birthday on September 6.
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