CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOSE RAFAEL "PICULIN" ORTIZ RIJOS

On 2026-05-12, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOSE RAFAEL "PICULIN" ORTIZ RIJOS" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOSE RAFAEL "PICULIN" ORTIZ RIJOS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E428] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOSE RAFAEL ``PICULIN'' ORTIZ RIJOS ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jose Rafael ``Piculin'' Ortiz Rijos, affectionately known throughout Puerto Rico as ``Piculin'' and ``El Concord,'' one of the most beloved and accomplished athletes in our history. Born in Aibonito and raised in Cayey, Jose Rafael ``Piculin'' Ortiz Rijos became one of the greatest centers Puerto Rico has ever produced. His journey took him from the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, where he became a champion and icon, to Oregon State University, the National Basketball Association, Europe's elite leagues, and the international stage. As a member of Puerto Rico's National Team, Piculin helped carry our flag with dignity across four Olympic Games and multiple international competitions. His performances helped cement Puerto Rico's place in international basketball and inspired countless young Puerto Ricans to believe that greatness could emerge from our small Island. Among his greatest moments was Puerto Rico's historic 92-73 victory over the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics, a game forever etched in the memory of our people. That day, Puerto Rico did not simply win a basketball game. Puerto Rico reminded the world of its talent, courage, and competitive spirit. For generations of Puerto Ricans, Piculin was more than a basketball player. He was the sound of a packed coliseum, the voice of a radio announcer on a summer night, and the pride of families crowded around a television to watch Puerto Rico compete against the world. He was the backdrop to evenings on neighborhood courts where children attempted to imitate his signature moves, and the reason communities gathered, transcended their differences, and found in basketball a language all their own. In him, Puerto Rico saw height, talent, discipline, and heart, but above all, we saw ourselves. May the legacy of Jose Rafael ``Piculin'' Ortiz Rijos, our ``Piculin,'' our ``El Concord,'' live forever in the hearts of a grateful Puerto Rico. ____________________