Jose Alvarado Leads Puerto Rico to Olympic Berth
Puerto Rico has punched its ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, thanks in large part to the outstanding play of former Georgia Tech basketball star Jose Alvarado. The 26-year-old guard scored a game-high 23 points in the championship game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, leading his team to a 79-68 victory over Lithuania.
Jose Alvarado drives to the basket
The win marks the end of a 20-year Olympic drought for Puerto Rico, and Alvarado’s performance earned him the TISSOT MVP award for the tournament. He averaged 16 points per game throughout the tournament, including a 29-point effort against Italy in the group phase.
The Puerto Rico team celebrates their Olympic berth
Alvarado’s success is a testament to the strong basketball tradition at Georgia Tech, where he led the Yellow Jackets to an Atlantic Coast Conference championship in 2021. He is the sixth Georgia Tech player to compete in the Olympics since 2004, joining a list that includes NBA stars like Chris Bosh and Stephon Marbury.
The Georgia Tech logo
The Olympic Qualifying Tournament was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and featured some of the top basketball teams from around the world. Puerto Rico’s victory over Lithuania was a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with Alvarado’s team coming from behind to win in front of a crowd of over 13,000 fans.
The Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Alvarado’s performance was not limited to his scoring. He also added six rebounds and two steals to his stat line, and was a key factor in Puerto Rico’s defensive effort. His all-around play earned him recognition as one of the top players in the tournament.
Jose Alvarado defends against a Lithuanian player
The 2024 Olympic Games are set to take place from July 27 to August 10 in Paris, France. Puerto Rico’s Olympic berth is a testament to the country’s rich basketball tradition and the talent of its players. With Alvarado leading the way, Puerto Rico is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the Olympic tournament.
The Paris 2024 Olympic logo
