Nigeria, Aug. 20 -- The University of the Philippines (UP) community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of their Nigerian basketball player, Israel Osamudiame Friday.

As reported across outlets in the Philippines, the talented youngster collapsed during a team practice session on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old, who would have turned 20 on 6 September, was one of UP's newest recruits for the Fighting Maroons.

In an official statement released and published on the Filipino outlet Spin.ph, Bo Perasol, director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development, confirmed the heartbreaking news.

"UP is heartbroken to confirm that one of our newest recruits, Israel Osamudiame, collapsed during practice yesterday. He was ...