Work with World Cup legend Piculin Oritz takes Conditt to next level

MANILA (Philippines) - George Conditt represents the future for Puerto Rico and the center's excellent play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 also can be attributed to working with one of country's legends Jose 'Piculin' Ortiz.

Conditt was one of Puerto Rico's role players in the Americas Qualifiers, averaging 5.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. But he has blossomed into one of the team's stars at the World Cup as he collected 18 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks in the team's opening win over South Sudan. 

 

Part of the reason for that improvement was another Puerto Rico legend, national team general manager Carlos Arroyo, organizing a surprise visit during the team's World Cup training camp - two days with four-time World Cup participant Ortiz.

"That's the GOAT. In Puerto Rican basketball, that is the GOAT," the 23-year-old Conditt said of Ortiz, who played at the World Cup in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002.

"All praise to him. I was really humbled to be in his presence and learn from him. It was an amazing opportunity. He definitely showed me a lot of small details. The small little things that I can use to make my game just a little better. Like knowing where the person's body is at and using that to your advantage instead of their advantage."

Jose 'Piculin' Ortiz at the 1998 World Cup

Ortiz worked out especially with the big men and power forward Isaiah Pineiro also was getting tips from the FIBA Basketball Hall of Famer Ortiz, who is now 59 years old.

"It was awesome. Whenever you can get advice and insight from a legend who has succeeded at the highest level is great. He helped our bigs. He came to a few practices and gave us pointers and tips and help out as much as he could. Just training with him was great," said Pineiro, who is playing in his second World Cup.

Even though Ortiz focused his work with Puerto Rico’s big men, his messages were received by the whole team.

John Holland

"It's great to see him come talk to us and just share his knowledge," said small forward John Holland. "Just his approach and the pride of the island and admiring the things that came before us. There is a huge history of basketball Puerto Rico and he’s just a representation of that. He's one of the legends in Puerto Rico and internationally. For him to be able to speak with us and share that knowledge and experience and stories was amazing"

If Puerto Rico get to the Second Round and accomplish even more, one of the reasons will be an outstanding performance by Conditt. And at least a small part of that will be what the future leader learned from a legend.

FIBA