Former St. Benilde player passes away

MANILA, Philippines — Clement Leutcheu, former College of St. Benilde standout, passed away yesterday due to cardiac arrest.

He was only 25.

The 6-foot-7 Leutcheu, born in Senegal but migrated to Cameroon where he was granted citizenship, was a pillar of strength for the Blazers during his stint from 2016 to 2019 with averages of 6.8 points and 6.8 rebounds.  His leadership extended off the court.

He was the second foreign student athlete from the NCAA who died in just over a month after American Sudan Daniel, who suited up for San Beda a decade ago, passed away due to an asthma attack last December.

Leutcheu, who was in Manila at the time of his death, received tributes on social media, including one from CSB coach Ty Tang.

“What a sad day. We will miss you my friend,” said Tang on his Facebook account.