[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.

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