Cuban Ismael Romero shines in Puerto Rico at the Basketball World Cup:

September 3, 2023

Cuban-born Puerto Rican national and member of that country's national team, Ismael Romero, has left his mark at the FIBA 2023 Basketball World Cup representing the Boricuas with great performances in his minutes on the court.

El Cubanazo, as he is known, left the Cuban team on the night of June 19, 2012 along with four teammates after leaving the Verdanza hotel in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.

As a player, Ismael Romero has developed an important career that led him to that nation's national team, with which he has been playing for a few years now. His great performances in the Puerto Rican league are widely recognized.

In fact, this year he deserved the condition of Sixth Man of the Year for the 2023 season, according to the Superior National Basketball league. This award further expanded his legacy with the Vaqueros de Bayamón.

In this FIBA World Cup, Ismael Romero has played an average of 24.8 minutes in four games, with an average of 12 points per game, in addition to 7.8 rebounds. Furthermore, he shoots 67.8% on 2-point shots.

El Cubanazo had two standout games against South Sudan (16 points and 12 rebounds), while against China he scored 18 and added 10 rebounds.

When El Cubanazo played against Cuba and left words of respect

In 2021, Ismael Romero experienced a reunion with his Cuban countrymen in the first FIBA qualifying window, but on that occasion, defending the Puerto Rican jersey.

Ismael Romero's words moved Cubans and Puerto Ricans.

To top it off, he was a regular starter in the game and led the Boricuas to a resounding victory, with 18 points, eight rebounds, three steals and one block.

Although he carries Cuba tied to his essence —he is known as El Cubanazo in the professional basketball arena— he has fulfilled his commitment to his new team with respect.

"My whole life I will be Cuban, that will never change, I carry it in my blood, but this Puerto Rico uniform I promise to represent with respect, pride and gratitude," he had affirmed some time ago.

Despite the punishment that kept him away from his native country for so long and forced him to be far from his family, he then left these words on Twitter after the game: "I love you Cuba, I will love you forever".