SAN JUAN. – International basketball is in mourning following the death of former Puerto Rican player José ‘Piculín’ Ortiz, who died early this Tuesday at the age of 62 after battling colorectal cancer.
The information was confirmed by the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation, which indicated that the historic center was admitted since May 1 at Ashford Hospital, in San Juan, accompanied by his wife, Sylvia Ríos, his daughter and other family members.
Considered one of the great figures of Puerto Rican basketball, Ortiz had an outstanding career both internationally and professionally. He participated in four editions of the Olympic Games —Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004—, being a key player for the Puerto Rico national team for more than a decade.
In the professional field, he managed to reach the NBA after being selected in the 15th position of the 1987 draft by the Utah Jazz, a franchise with which he played for two seasons.
His career also left its mark in Europe, especially in the ACB League of Spain, where he defended the colors of clubs such as CAI Zaragoza, Real Madrid Baloncesto, FC Barcelona Baloncesto and Unicaja Málaga. With the blaugrana team he conquered the Copa del Rey and was runner-up of the European Cup.
In addition, he played in leagues in Greece, where he added another important achievement by winning the Korac Cup with Aris Thessaloniki.
The passing of “Piculín” Ortiz leaves a deep void in Puerto Rican sports and in international basketball, where he will be remembered for his talent, leadership, and legacy on and off the court.
