UP Fighting Maroons recruit Israel Friday dies at 19

• Israel Osamudiame Friday, 19, Nigerian center and new recruit of the University of the Philippines men’s basketball team, died
• He passed away after collapsing during practice on Tuesday, August 19
• Friday was rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical personnel were unable to revive him
• UP said it is in close contact with his family, extending full support while asking for privacy as they grieve this tragic loss

The University of the Philippines (UP) community is mourning the sudden passing of its men’s basketball recruit, Israel Osamudiame Friday, who collapsed during practice on Tuesday, August 19. He was 19.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) confirmed the tragic loss of the 6-foot-10 Nigerian center, who had only recently joined the Fighting Maroons.

“The University of the Philippines is heartbroken to confirm that one of the newest recruits of its men's basketball team (MBT), Israel Osamudiame Friday from Abuja, Nigeria, collapsed during practice last Tuesday,” the statement read.

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Friday was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital after he collapsed, but medical personnel were unable to revive him.

“He was immediately brought to a nearby hospital where, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away,” UP OASD said.

According to the university, the exact cause of death is still under investigation.

“He was 19, about to turn 20 on September 6,” the office added.

Before joining UP, Friday played for Centro Escolar University (CEU), where he became a standout player for the Scorpions in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL). Known for his height and inside presence, he was regarded as a promising young talent who had been expected to bolster UP’s roster in the coming collegiate season.

“Friday recently transferred from Centro Escolar University, where he starred for the Scorpions as their 6-foot-10 man in the middle in the University and Colleges Athletic League,” the statement noted.

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The OASD expressed its deepest sympathies to Friday’s family and assured that the university will be providing them full support during this difficult time.

“UP is in close contact with his family and is extending its full support during this difficult time. The exact cause of his death is still being determined, and the university asks everyone to respect the privacy of his family, as they grieve this tragic loss,” UP OASD said.

Friday’s passing has left the Fighting Maroons, as well as the broader basketball community, in shock. He was remembered not just for his talent on the court, but also for his dedication and potential to make an impact in Philippine college basketball.

Israel Friday is not the only young sports figure to have passed away recently.

Gustavo Talmare, a 14-year-old rising baseball talent from the Dominican Republic, tragically passed away after drowning in Guerra. Talmare earned recognition as the MVP of the 2024 Caribbean Kids Series, highlighting his exceptional talent.

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Omaha basketball player Deng Mayar, 22, drowned on August 16 at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah, authorities confirmed. His 21-year-old friend tried to save him but was unsuccessful and was later hospitalized.

Source: KAMI.com.gh