Ex-NCAA champ dies at 24

Two-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion Jimly Lantaya passed away on Saturday due to heart complications. He was 24.

The 6-foot-8 slotman was diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm and underwent a heart operation several months ago at the Philippine Heart Center.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, a thoracic aortic aneurysm is "a weakened area in the body's main artery in the chest."

His diagnosis came a couple of years after playing a key role in Letran College’s title runs in Seasons 97 and 98 of the NCAA.

He also had a professional stint with the Gensan Warriors in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and a successful high school career for National University-Nazareth School in which they completed a perfect 16-0 campaign in Seasons 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

The MPBL mourned his passing, calling him a fierce competitor despite gaining the reputation as a “gentle giant.”

"The MPBL is in mourning following the passing of Gensan Warriors player Jimly Lantaya," the league said in a social media post.

"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."

Lantaya’s college teammate, Fran Yu, expressed sadness over his passing.

"RIP #15 isa sa pinaka masayang tao na nakilala ko," Yu, who now plays for NorthPort in the Philippine Basketball Association, said.

"Paalam, champ."