× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

NORMAL — University High School sophomore basketball player Kai Bates-Diop was recovering in a Peoria hospital Friday after collapsing during practice Thursday from what his family described as “a cardiac event.”

Bates-Diop’s parents, Richard and Wilma Bates, issued a statement Friday night thanking the U High athletic training staff for its “appropriate and fast response,” which they said enabled their son to receive “immediate attention.”

“He is receiving the best care possible, and is recovering nicely,” they added. “We appreciate all the well wishes and prayers from friends and family — and so many others. Kai is a remarkable young man and he feels blessed to have the support and love of so many to carry on with his wonderful life.”

Richard and Wilma Bates said they are "overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love shown to our family during this time.”

The 6-foot-5 Bates-Diop, 16, younger brother of former U High all-stater and current Ohio State junior Keita Bates-Diop, is a starter for the Pioneers averaging 9.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. He has drawn recruiting interest from a number of Big Ten Conference schools.