August 21, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — UP’s latest recruit Israel Osamudiame Friday handed away after collapsing in apply final Tuesday, the Combating Maroons introduced in a press release yesterday.
A transferee from Centro Escolar U, the Nigerian huge man was instantly delivered to the closest hospital after abruptly falling down throughout coaching in Diliman however didn’t make it regardless of efforts to revive him.
Final month, Gilas Pilipinas ladies and Nationwide U Woman Bullpups participant Ashlyn Abong additionally died after collapsing in apply. She was 18.
The premature deaths of the younger athletes have raised requires enough security protocols for all athletes – younger and previous – taking part in in collegiate, business or skilled leagues.
Friday was 19, about to show 20 on Sept. 6 previous to the unlucky incident a month forward of UP’s title-retention marketing campaign in UAAP Season 88.
A local of Abuja, Nigeria, the 6-foot-10 Friday served because the anchor of the CEU Scorpions within the College and Faculties Athletic League (UCAL) final season earlier than taking his abilities to Diliman.
He’s serving a one-year residency to organize as UP’s overseas student-athlete (FSA) in Season 89 subsequent 12 months in lieu of present FSA and fellow Nigerian Francis Nnoruka.
Dickachi Udodo, additionally a Nigerian heart, served as UP’s FSA in Season 87 when the Maroons reclaimed the crown in opposition to champion La Salle in three video games for his or her second title in 4 straight finals appearances.
“UP is in shut contact together with his household and is extending its full assist throughout this troublesome time. The precise reason behind his demise continues to be being decided, and the college asks everybody to respect the privateness of his household, as they grieve this tragic loss,” stated UP.
UP is coming off a marketing campaign within the World College Basketball Collection in Japan after finishing a three-peat feat within the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup then profitable the Marty Cup 2025 in Tacloban, Leyte.