A former college basketball star has died at the age of just 26, following an 18-month battle with brain cancer.

Brooklyn-born Elijah Olaniyi was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2023, ending his hopes of a career as a professional basketball player outside of the United States.

Olaniyi had spent three years playing college ball at Stony Brook on Long Island (2017-2020). He played one season at Miami (FL) before returning to Stony Brook for a final year.

Stony Brook released a statement on their social media to pay their respects. It said: “Earlier today, our Seawolves family lost one of our own when Elijah Olaniyi passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

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“Elijah will live on in the hearts and minds of all who loved him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Miami quote-tweeted that statement to say: “Sending love to Elijah's family, friends and the entire Stony Brook community.”

Olaniyi's tumour had lay undetected in his brain during his senior year, during which he suffered from seizures and mental health issues. Doctors determined those were symptoms of the tumour.

At the time of the tumor's discovery, Olaniyi was playing semi-pro basketball in Luxembourg. He had previously announced, following his third year at Stony Brook, that he would be entering the NBA draft - only to pull out and transfer to Miami instead.

He announced on December 7, 2023 that he was retiring due to 'unexpected health issues'.

He soon underwent three surgeries to remove 95 percent of the tumour in his brain. It came back as cancerous after a biopsy. Within weeks, he began radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Olaniyi is ninth on Stony Brook's all-time scoring list, seventh on the school's steals list and tenth all-time in rebounds.