Former San Beda star Sudan Daniel passes away

Sudan Daniel was a key player in the Red Lions' 2010 season sweep.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Just as 2020 is about to end soon, another local sports personality left us.

Former San Beda player Sudan Daniel passed away on Saturday, just nine days after celebrating his 33rd birthday, to the shock and sadness of many members of the basketball community.

"This is unbelievable. [I] can't believe this is happening. I will miss you my brother," said fellow former Red Lion Michole Sorela, who was among the first to break out the sad news on social media.

The six-foot-seven American center was celebrating the Christmas weekend with the Semerad Twins in Calatagan when he had a major asthma attack.

Daniel was still rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Daniel helped lead San Beda to the full sweep of the entire 2010 season, which remains as the most recent invincible run in the premier collegiate league.

In the same year, he won the season Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and the Finals MVP awards.

"The whole Bedan community mourns the passing of our brother Sudan Daniel," the university said in a statement.

"You are always loved and never forgotten," added former teammate Bam-Bam Gamalinda.

After his graduation in 2012, he stayed in the Philippines for work, most recently as a hypeman in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 alongside rapper Mike Swift.

"You will be missed, Superman (Daniel's moniker)! Thank you for the memories!" The league said in a separate statement.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno