Daryl Smith dies after game

Cebu-based American basketball player Daryl Smith died the other day of heart attack. He was 53.

The 6-foot-9 Smith, a former PBA import, was playing hoops in Liloan on Tuesday night where he suited up for Team Consolacion in an exhibition match against the Liloan-based Designer of coach Edcel  Vallena.

Sources at the Mandaue City Hospital where Smith was pronounced dead on arrival did not categorically state the cause of death, but confirmed it was a heart failure due to over fatigue.

Smith just came from Bohol that day where he played as import for some local teams and then proceeded to Liloan that night.

Vallena, whose team won, 82-76, said that during the game, Smith went out of the gym with five minutes left in the third period. He said Smith played briefly in the final quarter but did not return until the end of the game and was just sitting on the bench.

Upon going home to Consolacion, Smith complained of  chest pains so his teammates Gilbert Demape and Arturo Pepito Jr. rubbed him with a pain reliever, which somehow soothed Smith.

After a shortwhile, they went out for hot noodle soup and it was on that instance that Smith collapsed. While some of his teammates were scared, Pepito picked up Smith and brought him by the ambulance to the Mandaue City Hospital, but efforts of reviving him failed.

Smith played a key role in various championships of the M. Lhuillier Jewelers in the commercial derby.

His passion for basketball continues that he earned a living by playing as import in provincial tournaments especially in Mindanao. (GGM)