HAVANA (Cuba) - Basketball in Cuba is in mourning following the death of former national team star Tomas "El Jabao" Herrera, a bronze-medal winning guard at the 1972 Olympics.

He was 69.

Known for his uncompromising approach on defense, Herrera was among the most celebrated players in his country's hoops history.

Among those to pay tribute to the three-time Olympian was Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who tweeted: "Mourning in Cuban sports: Tomás Herrera Martínez passed away. Our condolences to family, friends and the Cuban sports community.

Herrera played at two FIBA Basketball World Cups, including 1974 in Puerto Rico when his country finished fourth.

He helped Cuba reach the top of the podium at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 1974 and 1982.

Herrera also played for Cuba sides that finished runners-up at the same event in 1970 and 1978.

Beginning in 2002 up to the time of his passing, Herrera served as President of the National Commission for Attention to Athletes.

The President of the Cuban Olympic Committee, Roberto Leon Richards Aguilar, also expressed sadness over Herrera's death, tweeting: "The passion that characterized him in competition was the hallmark of all the tasks in which Tomas Herrera Martinez became a soldier of the Revolution. Our heartfelt embrace to family and friends."

FIBA