Cubans under other flags in Paris 2024: Ismael Romero Fernández, "El Cubanazo"

"Cubans have not participated in basketball at the Olympics since Moscow 1980, but today one of them has been adopted by the other wing of the bird and they will fly together to make history in Paris."

El jugador de baloncesto Ismael Romero © Collage Facebook/Ysmael Romero
The basketball player Ismael RomeroPhoto © Collage Facebook/Ysmael Romero

When Ismael Romero Fernández steps onto the court this Sunday at the Paris Olympics as part of the Puerto Rico team, he will become the first Cuban to participate in Olympic basketball in the last 44 years.

Facebook Capture/Ysmael Romero

"Cubans have not participated in the basketball of an Olympics since Moscow 1980, but today one of them has been adopted by the other wing of the bird and they will fly together to make history in Paris," reported a publication recently, which the basketball player commented on with a single word: "blessed."

Facebook Capture/Ysmael Romero

Known as "El Cubanazo," Ismael Romero is a prominent basketball player born on June 23, 1991, in Ranchuelo, Villa Clara.

Facebook Capture/Ysmael Romero

His basketball career has been marked by his determination and skill on the court, which has allowed him to excel both nationally with his home country and with Puerto Rico, the nation that adopted him.

Ismael Romero started playing basketball in his hometown, where he quickly stood out for his athletic ability and skills in the game.

He was part of the Villa Clara basketball team, participating in the Superior Basketball League of Cuba, where he was ranked as one of the best young players in the country.

In 2012, during a tournament in Puerto Rico, Romero made the decision not to return to Cuba, seeking opportunities to develop his career in professional basketball outside his country.

That step marked a turning point in his life and in his sports career.

Ismael Romero quickly made a name for himself in Puerto Rican basketball, where he has played for several teams in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), including the Atléticos de San Germán, the Vaqueros de Bayamón, and the Capitanes de Arecibo.

His performance in the BSN has been remarkable, being recognized for his scoring ability, agility, and defensive play.

In addition to his success in Puerto Rico, Romero has had the opportunity to play in other international leagues, including the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP) in Mexico, where he has been part of teams such as the Soles de Mexicali and the Mineros de Zacatecas.

His versatility and consistency in the game have earned him respect and admiration in every league he has participated in.

Throughout his career, Ismael Romero has received multiple accolades for his performance on the field. He has been chosen to participate in All-Star games and has been awarded several times as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of crucial matches.

Romero is characterized by his impressive athletic ability and his capability to play in both interior and exterior positions.

He is known for his aggressiveness in rebounding, his ability to block shots, and his skill in scoring points at crucial moments of the game. His energetic playing style and dedication on the court make him a key player for any team.

Despite the difficulties and challenges he faced when leaving Cuba, Ismael Romero has shown incredible resilience and determination. His story is an example of perseverance and success through effort and passion for sport.

What do you think?

COMMENT

Filed under:


Do you have something to report? Write to CiberCuba:

editors@cibercuba.com +1 786 3965 689