EUGENE, Ore. – UC Santa Barbara freshman Ami Lakoju, who collapsed during practice on Sunday evening, is alert and resting comfortably in a Springfield, Ore., hospital, said head coach Bob Williams. The Gauchos were preparing for Monday night’s game at the University of Oregon.
Lakoju, a 6-foot-8, 280 pound forward from Harlem, fell to the floor at Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena near the end of UCSB’s practice on Sunday. After he was initially tended-to by Athletic Trainer Katie Susskind, Lakoju was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield, Ore., where he remains for observation and tests.
“Ami is resting comfortably,” Williams said. “He’s alert and as outgoing and talkative as ever. He is also receiving outstanding medical care and we are confident the medical staff will find the cause of his collapse.”
Lakoju, who has played 27 minutes in three games this season, will be sidelined indefinitely.