José Ortiz
Personal information | |
---|---|
Born |
Aibonito, Puerto Rico | October 25, 1963
Nationality | Puerto Rican |
Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
Listed weight | 260 lb (118 kg) |
Career information | |
High school |
Benjamin Harrison (Cayey, Puerto Rico) |
College | Oregon State (1985–1987) |
NBA draft | 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall |
Selected by the Utah Jazz | |
Playing career | 1982–2006 |
Position | Center |
Career history | |
1980–1991 | Atléticos de San Germán |
1987–1988 | CAI Zaragoza |
1988–1990 | Utah Jazz |
1990–1991 | Real Madrid |
1991–1992 | FC Barcelona |
1992–1993 | Festina Andorra |
1993–1994 | Unicaja Málaga |
1994–1995 | Gymnastikos S. Larissas |
1995–1996 | Irakleio |
1996–1997 | Aris |
1997 | Guayaquiries Margarita |
1998–2005 | Cangrejeros de Santurce |
2006 | Capitanes de Arecibo |
Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
José Rafael Ortiz (born October 25, 1963), better known as PiculÃn or Picu, is a retired Puerto Rican professional basketball player. He has played in the NCAA, NBA, various European teams and the National Superior Basketball League of Puerto Rico.
He played for the Utah Jazz while in the NBA and the Atléticos de San Germán, Cangrejeros de Santurce, and Capitanes de Arecibo while in the BSN. Ortiz was a member of the Puerto Rican National Team from 1983–2004. Most notably he was a member of the 2004 Puerto Rican National Basketball Team that defeated the United States. Ortiz was a member of 4 Olympic teams 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2004.
OrtÃz holds various honors and records as a basketball player. He ranks #4 and #6 in the all-time statistics for rebounds per game and total rebounds in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league. He is also the third player to win eight championships in the league. OrtÃz is also the first Puerto Rican player to be drafted in the NBA. Many experts consider OrtÃz to be the best Puerto Rican basketball player.[1]
Despite his success in sports, OrtÃz went through financial troubles after retiring. In 2011, he was arrested for the possession of 218 marijuana plants. He was sentenced to six months in prison.[2]
Early life and education
OrtÃz was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico on October 25, 1963, but was raised in Cayey. He started his career as a center at Benjamin Harrison High School in Cayey. He was nicknamed PiculÃn after one of the characters in The Wizard of Oz and The Concorde as a reference to the popular plane and his height (6'11"). OrtÃz earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Oregon State University.[3]
BSN career
In 1980, with approximately 17 years, OrtÃz debuted with the Atléticos de San Germán from the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league in Puerto Rico. As his career progressed, he improved his game significantly leading San Germán to a championship in 1985. That season, OrtÃz averaged more than 25 points and 14 rebounds per game. He would lead the team to a second title in 1991, while he averaged 19 points and 15.8 rebounds per game.[4] After the 1991 season, OrtÃz left the league to play in Europe. He would return in 1994 to lead San Germán to yet another title.
In 1998, OrtÃz was released by San Germán. He then went to play for the Cangrejeros de Santurce, and helped them win four titles in a row (1998–2001). In 2002, OrtÃz was named Most Valuable Player of the league, although his team did not reach the Finals. OrtÃz and the Cangrejeros won another title again in 2003, making OrtÃz only the third player to win eight titles in the league.[1]
He played two more years with Santurce, and in 2006 he played with the Capitanes de Arecibo. However, he retired after just one season with the team. He finished his career with 8,915 points, 5,314 rebounds (#6), and 1,134 assists in 505 regular season games. To this day, he is considered by many experts as the best Puerto Rican basketball player.[1]
College career
OrtÃz attended Oregon State University from 1985-1987 where he was instructed by legendary coach Ralph Miller and was a teammate of future Basketball Hall of Famer Gary Payton during the latter's freshman year. During his two seasons with the Beavers, he averaged 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.[5] After the 1986-87 season, he was named Pac-10 Player of the Year defeating (among others) Reggie Miller of UCLA.[6] He also earned NCAA All-American honors in the 1986–1987 NCAA season.
NBA career
After graduating from Oregon State University, OrtÃz entered the 1987 NBA Draft. He was selected #15 by the Utah Jazz becoming the first Puerto Rican to be selected in an NBA draft. However, before his first season, he received an offer from the CAI Zaragoza in Spain and he accepted. OrtÃz rejoined the Jazz for the 1988-89 season, debuting on November 9, 1988. During his first season, OrtÃz played 51 games, starting in 15. He averaged 2.8 points and 1.1 rebounds per game.
OrtÃz returned to the NBA for the 1989-90 season, playing in 13 games before being waived by the team on February 5, 1990. He finished his brief NBA career with an average of 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds per game.[5] OrtÃz wore #44 during his NBA career.
International career
OrtÃz played for the CAI Zaragoza basketball team in 1987. During that season, he was the second leading scorer of the team with 17.4 points per game.[7] However, he then returned to play with the Utah Jazz of the NBA. After being waived by the Jazz in 1990, OrtÃz was hired by the Real Madrid basketball team in Spain. During that time, he played with Fernando Romay, Antonio MartÃn Espina, and José "Chechu" Biriukov. After that season, he went to the FC Barcelona where he won the Copa del Rey de Baloncesto in 1991 and finished second at the Euroleague. During that season, he was one of the team's leading rebounder.[8]
After that, OrtÃz played for the Festina Andorra (1992–1993), the Unicaja Málaga (1993–1994), the Gymnastikos S. Larissas (1994–1995), the Irakleio Crete (1995–1996) and the Aris Thessaloniki (1996–1997). In 1997, he helped the Aris team win the Korać Cup.[9] After that season, OrtÃz was offered approximately more than $1 million by the PAOK but the contract was declared null when laboratory tests for steroids allegedly came positive. OrtÃz appealed the decision and won, but refused to return to Europe to play.[10]
In 1997, OrtÃz played for the GuaiquerÃes de Margarita in the Venezuelan league.[11]
Olympic career
In 1982, Ortiz reached the minimum age to join Puerto Rico's national basketball team, and in 1983, he saw his first international competition, at the Pan American Games of Caracas, Venezuela. At the 1987 Pan American Games, OrtÃz was the flag-bearer for Puerto Rico. They won the bronze medal on that tournament.[12] In 1991, Ortiz helped the Puerto Rican National basketball team earn a gold medal at the Pan American Games, held in Havana, Cuba.
After the 2002 world championships of basketball, held at Indianapolis, Ortiz announced his retirement from the national team, to coincide with national teammate Jerome Mincy's retirement from the team. He would reconsider his decision later and rejoin the national team. In 2004, he was part of the team that defeated the United States men's national basketball team at the Summer Olympics.
Other ventures
Entrepreneur
OrtÃz opened a restaurant called Patria in his hometown of Cayey. However, in 2003 the restaurant went bankrupt.[13]
Politics
Ortiz became interested in politics after meeting politician Ferdinand Pérez in 2000. Pérez sought OrtÃz advice for legislative measures related to sports. Although reluctant at first, OrtÃz finally accepted to run for Senator behind Pérez' campaign for Mayor of San Juan for the Popular Democratic Party. OrtÃz ran for senatorial candidate from the district of San Juan-Guaynabo in Puerto Rico's 2008 general elections. However, both their bids were unsuccessful.[14] Pérez has said that OrtÃz distanced from politics after the defeat.[15]
Social activism
In May 28, 2011, OrtÃz officially opened in Cayey the PiculÃn OrtÃz Basketball Institute. The center aims to develop the basketball skills and performance of children and teenagers.[16][17]
Personal life
OrtÃz married Nirita RuÃz with whom he had one daughter but he had a son from a previous relationship.[18] However, they divorced in 2006.[13] He has been in a relationship with Sylvia RÃos since 2009.[19]
Legal problems
On June 29, 2011 Ortiz was arrested for drug related charges. Federal agents seized 218 marijuana plants in a rented property along with munitions for AR-15 rifles. OrtÃz allegedly claimed possession of all the material during the arrest. At the bail hearing, OrtÃz was legally represented by a public defender since he claimed he had no money for a lawyer. At the hearing, the judge decided to send OrtÃz to a rehabilitation clinic.[20]
In November 4, 2011, OrtÃz declared himself guilty of the charges against him.[19] The next week, he failed a surprise drug test which revealed he had used cocaine. Judge Camille Vélez Rivé ordered the immediate imprisonment of OrtÃz, arguing that she had given him several opportunities already.[21] On March 29, 2012, he was sentenced to six months in prison.[2]
Career statistics
Legend | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
NCAA
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1985-86 | Oregon State | 22 | - | 34.8 | .515 | - | .664 | 8.5 | - | 0.6 | 1.5 | 16.4 |
1986-87 | Oregon State | 30 | - | 36.7 | .584 | - | .725 | 8.7 | - | 1.2 | 1.4 | 22.3 |
Career | 52 | - | 35.9 | .557 | .500 | .703 | 8.7 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 19.8 |
NBA
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1988–89 | Utah | 51 | 15 | 6.4 | .440 | .000 | .596 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 2.8 |
1989–90 | Utah | 13 | 0 | 4.9 | .452 | .500 | .600 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 3.2 |
Career | 63 | 15 | 6.1 | .443 | .333 | .596 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 2.9 |
BSN
Year | Team | GP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1980 | San Germán | 6 | .500 | .000 | .800 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 1.7 |
1981 | San Germán | 9 | .357 | .000 | .400 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 1.6 |
1982 | San Germán | 14 | .356 | .000 | .500 | 3.1 | 0.0 | 2.9 |
1983 | San Germán | 33 | .549 | .000 | .606 | 10.3 | 0.6 | 14.1 |
1984 | San Germán | 29 | .575 | .000 | .631 | 13.1 | 1.1 | 21.1 |
1985 | San Germán | 29 | .610 | .400 | .660 | 14.4 | 0.9 | 25.5 |
1986 | San Germán | 24 | .568 | .000 | .678 | 11.3 | 1.7 | 18.8 |
1987 | San Germán | 22 | .636 | .500 | .769 | 13.7 | 1.8 | 23.7 |
1988 | San Germán | 31 | .590 | .200 | .768 | 11.5 | 2.3 | 20.2 |
1989 | San Germán | 23 | .569 | .000 | .752 | 11.0 | 2.1 | 19.7 |
1990 | San Germán | 19 | .630 | .688 | .774 | 12.7 | 2.8 | 22.5 |
1991 | San Germán | 11 | .614 | .333 | .768 | 15.8 | 2.3 | 19.9 |
1994 | San Germán | 14 | .636 | .000 | .818 | 9.6 | 3.4 | 17.3 |
1995 | San Germán | 19 | .594 | .296 | .731 | 11.8 | 2.9 | 20.2 |
1996 | San Germán | 25 | .647 | .400 | .711 | 13.8 | 3.3 | 20.5 |
1998 | Santurce | 29 | .608 | .269 | .704 | 12.6 | 3.5 | 19.3 |
1999 | Santurce | 18 | .609 | .250 | .667 | 10.1 | 3.3 | 20.6 |
2000 | Santurce | 28 | .575 | .273 | .663 | 9.0 | 3.0 | 18.0 |
2001 | Santurce | 23 | .576 | .238 | .656 | 10.1 | 2.8 | 19.7 |
2002 | Santurce | 27 | .603 | .333 | .629 | 9.6 | 3.3 | 19.4 |
2003 | Santurce | 16 | .457 | .318 | .464 | 8.6 | 3.6 | 14.1 |
2004 | Santurce | 29 | .498 | .000 | .623 | 7.4 | 3.0 | 10.4 |
2005 | Santurce | 23 | .496 | .286 | .404 | 6.5 | 1.9 | 10.9 |
2006 | Arecibo | 4 | .474 | .000 | .500 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 5.0 |
Career | 505 | .582 | .307 | .680 | 10.5 | 2.2 | 17.7 |
See also
References
- 1 2 3 José “PiculÃn†Ortiz Rijos: Brillante trayectoria deportiva on Primera Hora (June 30, 2011)
- 1 2 Suárez, Lymaris (March 29, 2012). "Seis meses de cárcel para PiculÃn Ortiz". El Nuevo DÃa.
- ↑ Figura versada y culta on El Nuevo DÃa (July 3, 2011)
- ↑ José PiculÃn OrtÃz Statistics on BSNPR.com
- 1 2 Jose Ortiz on Basketball-Reference
- ↑ Trayectoria deportiva de PiculÃn Ortiz on El Nuevo DÃa (June 30, 2011)
- ↑ CAI Basket Zaragoza 1987-88 on ACB.com
- ↑ FC Barcelona 1991-92 on ACB.com
- ↑ Biografia de Jose Piculin Ortiz on BiografiasyVidas
- ↑ Una fortuna que se le esfumó a PiculÃn OrtÃz on El Nuevo DÃa (July 3, 2011)
- ↑ Trayectoria Deportiva de PiculÃn on El Nuevo DÃa (June 30, 2011)
- ↑ The Games of August: Official Commemorative Book. Indianapolis: Showmasters. 1987. ISBN 978-0-9619676-0-4.
- 1 2 El derrumbe de Piculin Ortiz on El Nuevo DÃa (July 1, 2011)
- ↑ http://www.ceepur.org/elecciones2008/papeletas/Legislativas/San%20Juan%20002.JPG
- ↑ Derrota polÃtica desato su derrumbe personal on El Nuevo DÃa (June 30, 2011)
- ↑ Piculin Ortiz crea Instituto de Baloncesto on El Nuevo DÃa; Medina Gil, Alberto (May 29, 2011)
- ↑ Trayectoria deportiva de PiculÃn OrtÃz on El Nuevo DÃa (June 30, 2011)
- ↑ Falta personal de José “PiculÃn†Ortiz on Primera Hora; RodrÃguez-Burns, Francisco (July 1, 2011)
- 1 2 PiculÃn Ortiz se declara culpable y podrÃa ir preso on El Nuevo DÃa; Suárez Torres, Lymaris (November 5, 2011)
- ↑ Tribunal envÃa a PiculÃn Ortiz a clÃnica para tratar adicción a drogas on El Nuevo DÃa; Suárez Torres, Limarys (June 30, 2011)
- ↑ José "PiculÃn" Ortiz es ingresado a prisión on Primera Hora; RodrÃguez-Burns, Francisco (November 8, 2011)