Jose 'Piculin Ortin (1963-2026)

José “Piculín” Ortiz , one of the most important figures in the history of basketball in Puerto Rico, passed away this Tuesday after facing a hard battle against colorectal cancer, confirmed the Puerto Rico Basketball Federation (FBPUR). Piculín was diagnosed with the disease at the end of 2023. The former basketball player had been hospitalized at Ashford Hospital since last Friday, May 1, and was accompanied at all times by his wife Sylvia Ríos, as well as his daughter Neira, family members and friends.