UST cager dies in Lent tragedy

John Lee Apil, a former Santo Tomas Tiger, would never play big-time basketball. But he died a hero to two young kids in a tragic Black Saturday accident in Solana, Tuguegarao.

The 21-year-old Apil, who played for one season with the Tigers, succumbed to severe electric shocks and burns after rescuing the two children who were about to be electrocuted near a swimming pool in a resort in Solana.

Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP, confirmed reports that Apil, who was spending the Holy Week with his family, died in the incident.

Player agent Ed Ponceja said he was the one who brought Apil to then UST coach Nel Parado last year from St. Paul University in Tuguegarao, the same school where Barangay Ginebra stalwart Rommel Adducul came from.

"He’s a legend back in Solana, he’s idolized there because he was the only one from their town who made it to the UAAP," said Ponceja, manager of Adducul who happens to be Apil’s uncle.

Apil, the only son of government employees Charles and Ines Apil, saw action for six games for UST in last year’s UAAP season under Parado.

But his biggest moment came on his birthday on Sept. 3 when the Tigers shocked the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 77-73, in a second round matchup. He played for seven minutes and logged in two assists and two rebounds.

"He (Apil) was happy that time because he played his best in the UAAP on his birthday," said Parado.

Interment is on April 25 in Solana. — Joey Villar