Chris Ortiz Chosen for Latin American Select Team Game at Final Four
3/31/2016 3:07:00 PM | Men's Basketball
SAN JUAN — Kent State senior forward Chris Ortiz will participate in the inaugural Latin American Select Team Game during the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four weekend in Houston, Texas. Ortiz is one of 14 Latin American collegiate players selected to compete in the inaugural game, which will be played on Saturday, April 2 at Buick Arena.
"It is a blessing in to be able to extend my collegiate career and play in this game," said Ortiz. "I am honored to be selected and have the opportunity to represent myself, as well as my family, my teammates and Kent State University. The Final Four is the biggest event in college sports and getting there is a goal for all college basketball players. Thinking about being in Houston for this event gives me chills, and I'm just extremely grateful for the opportunity."
A conjunct venture with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and USA Basketball, the game features the top Latin American players in college basketball and will highlight the basketball, music, spectacle, charisma and emotion that is Latin America
Ortiz's father is from Puerto Rico and he has competed for the Puerto Rican Basketball Federation in the past. Most recently, he made his National Team debut at the 2013 Stankovic Continental Cup in Lanzhou, China. Ortiz also represented Puerto Rico at the 2011 Nike Global Challenge and the 2010 FIBA Americas U-18 tournament.
"It is exciting to be a part of this inaugural event and a part of history, both for my culture and the game of basketball," Ortiz said. "This game shows that the recognition of the growth of Latin American basketball continues to increase."
Ortiz enjoyed his best season in a Kent State uniform as a senior, averaging 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He played in 122 games and made 48 starts during his four-year career for the Golden Flashes, totalling 633 points, 483 rebounds and 47 blocked shots.
"I am really happy for Chris to have been selected to participate in this game," said Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff. "It is quite an honor for him to be able to represent Kent State University and his Latin American heritage. This is an experience that Chris will remember for the rest of his life."
The inaugural Latin America Select Team will be a feature event during the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four weekend. The team will be honored during Final Four Friday, and will be recognized during one of the semifinal games on Saturday.
