New big man recruit Israel Friday passed away during UP’s practice last Tuesday.
The UP Fighting Maroons were plunged into mourning amid the last stretch of preparations for UAAP Season 88, as one of their newest recruits, Nigerian big man Israel Osamudiame Friday, passed away last Tuesday.
He was 19 and was only about to turn 20 on September 6.
According to a press release from the team, Friday collapsed during practice with the Fighting Maroons and he was immediately brought to a nearby hospital where he eventually passed away.
Friday recently transferred from Centro Escolar University where he starred for the Scorpions as their big man in the University and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL).
UP said that the exact cause of Friday’s death is still being determined.
They are also asking for privacy for Friday’s family as they grieve the sudden loss.
The Fighting Maroons said they are also in “close contact” with the foreign student-athlete’s family and are extending their full support during this difficult time.
Friday’s untimely death comes at the heels of the team’s campaign at the World University Basketball Series in Japan where they crashed out early.
During the preseason, they also won the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup — achieving a three-peat for the Fighting Maroons.
UP are heading into Season 88 as defending champions after besting rival La Salle in three games during last year’s final to capture the crown for the first time since the drought-ending run in UAAP Season 84 where they outlasted the Ateneo Blue Eagles.