Puerto Rican basketball legend José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz has died at 62 after battling colorectal cancer. He was a FIBA Hall of Famer and the first Puerto Rican selected in the NBA Draft.
Key points
José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz passed away at age 62
He battled colorectal cancer since 2023
Ortiz was a FIBA Hall of Famer
First Puerto Rican drafted in the NBA Draft
Played for the Utah Jazz and professional teams in Europe
Mentioned in this story
José ‘Piculin’ OrtizFIBAUtah Jazz
Oregon State Beavers
Jose Piculin Ortiz (R) of Puerto Rico backs into Oriol Junyent (L) of Spain 03 September, 2002 during the first half of their second round game of the 2002 Men's FIBA World Basketball Championships at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN.
Jose Piculin Ortiz (R) of Puerto Rico backs into Oriol Junyent (L) of Spain 03 September, 2002 during the first half of their second round game of the 2002 Men's FIBA World Basketball Championships at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN.
FIBA Hall of Famer and Puerto Rican basketball legend José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz has passed away at the age of 62. Ortiz was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Puerto Rican basketball history. He had been battling colorectal cancer since 2023, according to FIBA.
Throughout his career, Ortiz played college basketball for the Oregon State Beavers, averaging 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. His performance earned him the Pac-10 Player of the Year honors in 1987. That same year, he made history as the first Puerto Rican player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, going 15th overall to the Utah Jazz. Ortiz went on to play two seasons in the NBA, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds over 64 games.
Following his time in the NBA, Ortiz played professional basketball in Europe, with teams in Spain and Greece, before returning to Puerto Rico to continue his career.
Ortiz was a pillar of the Puerto Rican National Team, representing his country in four Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 1996, and 2004) and competing in numerous FIBA World Championships and international tournaments. On August 30, 2019, Ortiz’s contributions were recognized with his induction into the FIBA Basketball Hall of Fame, honoring a career spanning two decades.
“Today Puerto Rico loses more than an athlete, it loses a legend,” Puerto Rico’s Basketball Federation told . “Thank you for all the joys, for representing our flag with pride and for taking the name of our island to the highest. Rest in peace, José “Piculin” Ortiz Rijos. Your legacy will live on every court, with every fan and with every generation that you inspire.”
Q&A
What caused the death of José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz?
José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz died after battling colorectal cancer.
What were José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz's achievements in basketball?
He was a FIBA Hall of Famer, the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1987, and the first Puerto Rican selected in the NBA Draft.
Which NBA team drafted José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz?
José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz was drafted by the Utah Jazz as the 15th overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft.
What was José ‘Piculin’ Ortiz's college basketball performance like?
At Oregon State, Ortiz averaged 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
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1 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks are seen before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
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8 / 9
Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
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