BELGRADE (Serbia) - Almost precisely five years ago, Puerto Rico star playmaker Carlos Arroyo played his last game in a national team jersey. It was July 9th in Belgrade for the Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a ticket to the 2016 Rio Games on the line. Today, he's back in the same city, but holding down a new role: General Manager of the  "Magníficos Los Gallos." 

Arroyo is enjoying his new position within the national basketball federation. But for him, it would be easier to be on the court.

"Sometimes it easier to be a player, to see things and fix them by yourself," Arroyo's said. "But, I am happy with how the guys are working and how does the team looking. I like how they are motivated to do their best to qualify for the Olympics. It's an extremely competitive tournament over here, and I told them every day that being at the Olympics is a unique feeling. After that, you will be forever known as an Olympian."

And Arroyo knows what he is talking about as he is one of a kind—leading his team to 6th place in Athens back in 2004 while putting 24 points in an epic victory over the USA (Puerto Rico won 93-74).  That was Carlos's early and bold statement and certainly didn't hurt for him to be  voted into the All-Olympics team. Now, he is trying to reach the Games as an "office guy."

"I am happy with the opportunity to be on the other side," Arroyo said. "The Federation is trusting in my experience to make decisions and be a mentor to these guys. Hopefully, there are great things to come for Puerto Rico's basketball."

That Olympics in the Greek capital were the last one Puerto Ricans participated in. Five years ago, they were very close to ending that bad run, but Serbia was too strong in Belgrade's OQT Finals ( Serbia won, 108-77) before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Five years later, the situation around the team is a bit different now.

"It's hard to compare. I feel every year is different," Arroyo said. "We haven't had a team stayed together for so long because of many reasons. It is tough to maintain a core group together, and that's one of the things that I would love to have for the coming years. Keep at least five guys together for the long run to build on that chemistry because this helps; it makes a difference. Argentina has done it for many years; Brazil, Serbia as well,"  he explained and pointed that both Federation and him have high hopes on the country's U19 team, which is competing right now at FIBA U19 World Cup in Latvia.

A new life began after retirement

After a notable playing career that included seven-city stops in the NBA and playing for five European clubs during his 15-year run, Arroyo calls Florida home. He lives there with his wife, Xiomara Escobar, and their three children.

"I am learning from the other side," Arroyo said.

He is often on the court, helping in the training sessions, but not yet ready to take charge. "I think, at some point, my job will be between the lines. But right now, I want to be outside and to look in," Arroyo said.

"I am pleased that Federation have trust in me and my decisions making skills," he added. " Also, players often ask me to help them, to show some moves or plays in the training sessions. But I don't take that job from the head coach or assistant coach. So to simplify, I just try to pass the knowledge that I have."

He's enjoying family life. 

"I live in Miami. I am just taking on my next chapter in life slowly," Arroyo said. "When I was playing, I was always flying. Just now, I am battling with things that would keep me away from family too long. And coaching is like that."

So, for now, coaching life is on hold, and he is focused on being there for his kids and look them growing up. But, in the meantime, he is also developing his music, reggaeton-based career.

"Yeah, music is my passion. I am enjoying it and will continue to improve myself in that way too."

 FIBA