UP basketball recruit Israel Osamudiame dies after collapsing during practice

University of the Philippines (UP) basketball player Israel Osamudiame passed away on Tuesday after collapsing during practice.

The 19-year-old Nigerian recruit, who would have turned 20 on September 6 and stood at 6-foot-10, was practicing with UP's Fighting Maroons when he suddenly collapsed and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but could not be revived.

Osamudiame had been dominant inside during his time at Centro Escolar University (CEU) and was one of UP's new recruits for this season, recently transferring from the Scorpions in the University and Colleges Athletic League.

This tragic incident follows the recent death of National University girls basketball player Ashlyn Abong who also collapsed during practice just two months ago.

UP has expressed condolences to Friday’s family and stated that they are providing full support during this difficult time, while respecting their privacy as the cause of death is still under investigation by authorities.

The university is coming off a productive campaign in the World University Basketball Series in Japan after completing a three-peat feat in the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup and winning the Marty Cup 2025 Battle of Champions pocket tournament in Tacloban, Leyte.