FIBA Americas - "Tuto" Marchand Continental Cup

SAN JUAN (FIBA Americas Championship) – A press conference was held to announce the 1st Genaro “Tuto” Marchand Continental Cup, last stop for the four teams active on it: Agentina, Brazil, Canada, and Puerto Rico, on their way to the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, in Las Vegas (from August 22 to September 2). The conference also served to pay tribute to the figure of Jenaro “Tuto” Marchand, Secretary General Emeritus of FIBA Americas.

The 1st Marchand Cup, to be held from August 16 – 18, at Puerto Rico’s Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, will feature the Brazilians Leandro Barbosa, Tiago Splitter, and Anderson Varejao; the Argentineans Carlos Delfino and Luis Scola; recently naturalized Canadian Samuel Dalember; and the Puerto Ricas Carlos Arroyo and Jose Juan Barea; all of them active in the NBA.

"With complying with one’s calling, one pays its own dues. I’m a man of luck, and I’ve seen the results of my efforts”, Marchand said.

An award from the International Olympic Committee will be officially granted to Marchand, honoring his contribution to the sport, both in Puerto Rico and on the international level.

"There’s a sport celebration on Thursday. It just happens to be about me. I’m an actor on it, but it is Puerto Rico who should feel like the main attraction. I thank my country and my brother Nestor”, Marchand said, with obvious emotion.
The Secretary General of FIBA Americas, Alberto Garcia, added that this tournament, and homage, to Marchand it’s because of his “leadership and hierarchy” while trying to “develop the game of basketball” in America.

Meanwhile, legendary Puerto Rican center, Jose "Piculin" Ortiz, who called Marchand “Mr. Advise”, thanked him for helping all those Puerto Rican players in foreign leagues, while also fighting for the sport sovereignty of Puerto Rico.

FIBA Americas