Safe with his family: Cuban basketball player Jasiel Rivero after bombings in Israel

October 17, 2023

The outstanding Cuban basketball player Jasiel Rivero Fernández, a member of the Maccabi Tel Aviv club, has been evacuated along with his family to Cyprus due to the armed conflict that has erupted in Israel.

Amid growing tension and the state of war caused by a Hamas attack, Rivero and other international athletes belonging to the Maccabi Tel Aviv club have been evacuated to Cyprus as a safety measure.

Journalist Javier Argüelles reported that "the stellar Cuban basketball player Jasiel Rivero was evacuated to Cyprus along with the rest of the international players at Maccabi Tel Aviv, as a safety measure following the state of war declared in Israel in response to an attack by the radical Palestinian movement Hamas".

Likewise, Henry Morales highlighted that the Cuban athlete is safe with his wife and daughter in another country. "The Cuban basketball player Jasiel Rivero who was at Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv managed to leave the country in conflict and is safe and sound with his wife and daughter in another nation".

Jasiel "Papi" Rivero, who joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in July, has had a distinguished career in various professional leagues, including Argentina and Spain. His professional debut took place in 2016 with Estudiantes Concordia, followed by his time at Boca Juniors between 2018 and 2019.

Subsequently, he contributed to San Pablo Burgos's success in the Endesa League, being a fundamental part in the conquest of two consecutive titles in the Basketball Champions League. From 2021 to 2023, he was part of the Spanish club Valencia and received offers, including one from Panathinaikos.

In mid-June, Rivero was invited by the Phoenix Suns to join their roster for the NBA Summer League, which underscores his growing relevance in the world of international basketball. The priority at this moment is his safety and that of his family, as he continues his successful sports career.