In a stunning turn of events at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado emerged as the unexpected hero for Puerto Rico. While he may not have been in the spotlight at the start of the competition, he certainly made his mark by the end.
Alvarado’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he single-handedly led Puerto Rico to victory with a team-high 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals in the final round of the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers. Former NBA guard Tremont Waters also stepped up with 18 points and two steals, while Davon Reed contributed with a pair of steals of his own.
However, it was Alvarado who stole the show with his exceptional play on both ends of the court. His nickname ‘GTA’ (short for ‘Greatly Talented Alvarado’) became even more fitting as he showcased his skills against top competition. Notably, his standout performance against Italy, where he scored 29 points and recorded three steals while shooting an impressive 7-10 from beyond the arc, solidified his status as a rising star.
As a result of his stellar showing, Alvarado was rightfully named the MVP of the San Juan Olympic Qualifying Tournament. His impact on the Puerto Rican team was undeniable, as he not only led them to victory but also earned the respect and admiration of fans worldwide.
In the words of Alvarado himself, “I just wanted to go out there and give it my all for my team and my country. To be recognized as the MVP is truly an honor and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico on the international stage.”
With his remarkable performance in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Jose Alvarado has proven that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level and make a name for himself on the global stage. Keep an eye out for this rising star as he continues to shine bright in the world of basketball.
