SAN JUAN.- José “Piculín” Ortizlegendary Puerto Rican basketball player in the 1980s and 1990s, died this Tuesday at the age of 62, reported the Basketball Federation of the Caribbean country (FBPUR).
Ortiz is considered one of the most important athletes in Puerto Rico. According to Puerto Rican media, he died of colorectal cancer that had been diagnosed a little over two years ago.
“Today Puerto Rico loses more than an athlete. It loses a legend. Thank you for so many joys and for representing our flag with pride. Rest in peace, José ‘Piculín’ Ortiz Rijos,” wrote the FBPUR in a statement on X.
“Your legacy will live on in every court and in every generation you inspired,” he added.
The player came to act in the NBA with the Utah Jazz (1988-1990), before a long period in European basketball that led him to play in the two greats of Spain, real Madrid (1990-1991) and FC Barcelona (1991-1992).
“Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and affection to his family and loved ones, to his teammates and to all his clubs,” the Madrid quintet wrote in a statement.
From Puerto Rico, the governor Jennifer Gonzalez Colon He lamented the loss of one of the “greatest athletes” in the history of the island.
“Piculín filled us with joy on the court, where in every game, every representation of Puerto Rico, he carried with him the heart of an entire island,” he wrote in a statement published in X.
Other taxes
The former Puerto Rican international Eddie Casianowho was Ortiz’s teammate, paid tribute to him on social networks.
“We had the privilege of sharing the court for more than 15 years, experiencing battles, sacrifices and moments that I will never forget. Thank you for every teaching, for every game and for every moment that basketball gave us. For me, you are and will always be the GOAT (the best of all time) of Puerto Rico,” he published on Instagram.
Other institutions, such as the international basketball federation (FIBA), of which it is part of its Hall of Famewave ACB League of Spain.
“Piculín” defended the colors of Puerto Rico in four Olympics (1988, 1992, 1996 and 2004) and in many others World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002).
