Piculín, center of the Americas

MEXICO CITY (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - Jose "Piculin" Ortiz is a giant of Puerto Rican basketball.

A 2.09m center who shone for the Boricuas at four Olympics and four FIBA Basketball World Cups, Ortiz was a great competitor, a tested athlete and a professional who had an unwavering commitment to his national team.

He and compatriot Jerome Mincy appeared in a record nine FIBA Americas Championships (1984, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003).

Ortiz has featured in 77 games - the most in the history of the continental competition.

In 1995, he was a champion in Neuquen (Argentina), while in 1988, 1993 and 1997, he finished as runner-up.

Ortiz and Puerto Rico finished third in 2003.

The 51-year-old, in attendance at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico, took time to reflect on his international career and particularly his memories from the continental tournament.

fiba.com/Americas2015: What does it mean to you to have the record number of tournaments and games played in the competition? Why were you such a permanent fixture?
Ortiz: It was with great pride and a great blessing that I represented my national colors for so long and in so many events. I feel very honored to be the leader of editions and games played in this great continental event. I think that playing the whole year contributed significantly to keeping me healthy and in good condition, besides the complementary work that a player should do.

FIBA: What are the best memories you have of your participations in this tournament?
Ortiz: It's always gratifying to remember when you win or manage the classification. In Neuquen [1995], we made a dream Final against Argentina to win there and get the gold medal. In my day, the challenge was to also use the event to showcase for contracts in other leagues and maintain the level of play throughout the year.

FIBA: What developments have you seen in the tournament?
Ortiz: We have seen more universal players like big men who can play outside and shoot well and also play from the outside in. The exodus of coaches, to work in other countries, has also been very positive. TV and marketing has also improved greatly.

FIBA: How did you see the development of teams in the Americas? Which teams did you like and why?
Ortiz: "It has been an event of transition with regards to the players and the challenges in terms of the results of the national programs. Examples are Canada, Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay. Each in their own way, have been busy with the task of developing youngsters. Brazil tried but failed.

Go to fiba.com/Americas2015 for full coverage of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

FIBA