José Ortiz
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About
Power forward who played professional basketball internationally, including for the NBA's Utah Jazz between 1988 to 1990. In recognition of his 26-year international professional career, he was named to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019.
Before Fame
He played college basketball for Oregon State University, where he was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1987. He previously made his pro basketball debut in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) in 1980 at age 17 with Atléticos de San Germán.
Trivia
He was named the BSN MVP in 2002 while playing for Cangrejeros de Santurce. He won his eighth BSN league title in 2003 with the squad.
Family Life
He shares one daughter named Neira with his first wife Nirita Ruiz.
Associated With
He played college basketball at Oregon State with future NBA Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton.
