MIAMI (United States) – The Panamanian Basketball Federation (FEPABA) has announced the appointment of Puerto Rican coach Nelson Colon as the new head coach of Panama’s national team. Colon replaces Argentine Gonzalo Garcia and will make his debut during the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, scheduled to be played from February 26 to March 2.
The new head coach arrives with a strong international résumé. He previously led Puerto Rico’s national team, guiding them to qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Here, they finished 12th and took the team to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after winning the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in San Juan. “I receive this opportunity with deep gratitude, respect, and commitment to Panamanian basketball and to all the athletes who proudly represent the colors of Panama," Colon said in a statement. "Taking on this role means working with discipline, vision and dedication to contribute to the growth of the national team and the overall development of the sport.”
He also stated that his project will focus on strengthening the foundation of the Panamanian national team: “My approach will be aimed at reinforcing the team structure, supporting local talent, and fostering a work culture based on unity, effort, and competitive excellence. I firmly believe in the potential of Panamanian basketball and in the importance of building a solid and sustainable project.” At the club level, Colon also boasts an impressive track record in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), where he won four championships (2014, 2015, 2020, and 2022). Panama enters this new stage of the Qualifiers with a 0–2 record in Group D, following two losses to Uruguay. In the second window, the Central American team will visit Cuba on February 27 and then host Argentina on March 2.
FIBA