 |
| Former two-time NCAA champ Jimly Lantaya passed away after battling heart issues. PSL (file photo) |
MANILA--Jimly Lantaya, a part of Letran's back-to-back championship teams in the NCAA just when things began going back to normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, passed away on Saturday.
Listed as a six-foot-nine center, Lantaya, who would have turned 25 in October, succumbed due to complications arising from his thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Lantaya played for the Knights during NCAA Seasons 97 and 98, both taking place in 2022 just in time when amateur sports leagues were allowed to hold games again amid the pandemic.
He helped the Intramuros-based dribblers capture the two NCAA titles on the line that year.
"We join the Lantaya family in mourning the passing of Jimly Lantaya, a former Letran Knight who proudly brought honor to the Colegio as part of the NCAA championship teams in Seasons 97 and 98. Thank you, Jimly, for your dedication and contributions to the Letran community," Letran said in a statement.
Lantaya, a native of General Santos, eventually turned pro and signed with his hometown team Warriors for the 2024 MPBL season and 2025 PSL season, joining fellow former Knight Kyle Tolentino.
"The Warriors' gentle giant was beloved by family, friends and teammates. A fierce competitor on the court, he was kind, humble and friendly off it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends particularly the Gensan Warriors organization that continued to look after Jimly as he battled illness the last few years," the MPBL said in a separate statement.
"Rest in Peace Jimlyboy. Salamat sa pagpapasaya mo sa lahat ng nakapaligid sayo! Love you pare mamimiss ka namin ng sobra!" added Tolentino, who was among the first to break the sad news on social media.
After his stint in the PSL, Lantaya underwent surgery to repair his aorta and returned home, but he was rushed to the hospital on Friday after he felt the complications.
GenSan is scheduled to play Cebu later Saturday at the Villar Coliseum in Las Pinas.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
