SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - The FIBA U17 Skill Challenges were held remotely around the world this year to avoid international travel due to the global pandemic, with Puerto Rico represented in both men's and women's events.

While the women had qualified directly for the event, the men's national team booked their spot in the Global Challenge after overcoming the Americas Qualifiers.

Having helped the representatives from the Island of Enchantment qualify to the global stage, one of the team's top prospects Johned Walker reflected on the competition: "The experience was super good; representing Puerto Rico in any event, and even more in a world event, is priceless."

"For two weeks, we had a good distraction, in which we were not thinking about what will happen to the sport in this difficult moment. I think at least we provided some fresh air for Puerto Rico, with positive news like being among the best eight in the world representing our island in a World Cup," he added.

Puerto Rico Olympic Committee President Sara Rosario and men's national team head coach Eddie Casiano accompanied the Puerto Rico team in the FIBA U17 Skills Challenge

Born on May 20, 2003, Walker is a 5ft 10in (1.78m) a guard. In 2019, he participated in the FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Brazil, averaging 12.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. In addition, he finished second with Puerto Rico in the Centrobasket U17 Championship in San Juan with averages of 9.2 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 20.9 minutes.

Johned approached basketball through his family, as he watched his uncles play. He started playing at the age of six and from a young age he was part of the different national teams. "For me basketball is not a difficult sport, for me it is pure fun," he said.

This year, Walker teamed up with Sebastian Santiago, Jesus Sierra, Angel Garcia and Jeremy Figueroa at the FIBA U17 Skills Challenge 2020.

After going undefeated in the Americas Qualifiers, Puerto Rico finished second in Group D with a 2-1 record following wins over Bulgaria and Mali, and a defeat to China. They were knocked out by eventual champions Mongolia in the Quarter-Finals.

"Despite what is happening in the world with COVID-19, the fact that FIBA did a remote event was the best, at least for me," he added.

FIBA