Jimly Lantaya, who was part of the Letran Knights’ back-to-back NCAA championship runs in Season 97 and 98, has passed away.–

MANILA, Philippines — Two-time NCAA men’s basketball champion Jimly Lantaya passed away on Saturday.

Lantaya, a former Letran Knight, was 24.

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“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,” wrote Letran.

“Thank you, Jimly, for your dedication and contributions to the Letran community. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

Lantaya recently went through a procedure for his condition, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection, last March 25.

The 6-foot-9 center was part of Letran’s back-to-back run in the NCAA Seasons 97 and 98. He was also a UAAP juniors basketball champion with National University-Nazareth School in the UAAP Season 82.

READ: NCAA: Letran wins third straight NCAA title, routs Benilde

Lantaya last played for his hometown with the General Santos Warriors in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and also saw action for the South Cotabato Warriors in the Pilipinas Super League.

Tributes poured in for Lantaya’s basketball legacy from his teammates Fran Yu and Kevin Quiambao, and from the MPBL and Letran.

“The MPBL is in mourning following the passing of Gensan Warriors player Jimly Lantaya. 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,” said the MPBL.

“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. Maraming salamat sa mga magandang alaala, Jimly.”