Puerto Rico Men's Basketball 2024 Paris Olympics: Full roster, schedule, and more
After 20 years, the Puerto Rico men’s basketball team is back in the Olympics. The last time they qualified for the event was in 2004 in Greece. Behind Carlos Arroyo, “Los Gallos” had a mesmerizing run in the tournament that included a 92-73 shocking win over Team USA.
Two decades later, the Puerto Ricans are back by winning the qualifying tournament held on home soil. They clinched a spot in the quadrennial games by beating Mexico in the semifinals and Lithuania in the championship game.
The Boricuas hope to make the same noise this year as they did 20 years ago in Greece.
Puerto Rico Men’s Basketball Team roster
Puerto Rico Men’s Basketball Team schedule
"Los Gallos" is in Group C to open the Olympics with Team USA, Serbia and South Sudan. The Americans, led by LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid, are the heavy favorites to win the gold. “Los Gallos” are hoping they can pull off another stunning upset over the highly-touted NBA superstars.
Serbia is also a tough opponent. Nikola Jokic, the reigning and three-time NBA MVP lead the roster. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Jovic and Vasilije Micic are also in the lineup.
South Sudan will not be a pushover, showing it means serious business when it nearly beat Team USA in an exhibition game. The Puerto Ricans face a tall task against the East Africans’ size, length and athleticism.
Puerto Rico vs. South Sudan
Date: Sunday, July 28
Time: 5:00 AM ET
Puerto Rico vs. Serbia
Date: Wednesday, July 31
Time: 11:15 AM ET
Puerto Rico vs. Team USA
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 11:15 AM ET
Puerto Rico Men’s Basketball Team: Key players
Jose Alvarado
Jose Alvarado isn’t asked to do much on offense when he plays for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. His role with the national men’s basketball team is drastically different. “Los Gallos” needs him to put up the points to keep up with their highly-touted opponents.
In the Puerto Ricans’ 90-75 loss to Australia about a week ago, Alvarado was held scoreless. The Boricuas didn’t look like they had much of a chance when “Grand Theft Alvarado” couldn’t hit one shot. If his offense isn’t humming, they will find it tough to win one game in the Olympics.
Tremont Waters
Tremont Waters has a handful of years playing in the NBA. The last time he was in the big leagues was during the 2021-22 season when he played for the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards.
Waters is key because teams will force Alvarado to give up the ball early and often. When that happens, the “H20 Kid” will have to quarterback the team’s offense. The offense stutters if no point guards can set up the plays.