Governor recognizes NBA champion José Alvarado for historic title

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón presents the Governor’s Medal to NBA champion José Alvarado during a homecoming ceremony at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón welcomed NBA champion José Alvarado of the New York Knicks on Saturday, joined by Puerto Rico Basketball Federation President Yum Ramos and Puerto Rico National Basketball Team General Manager Carlos Arroyo. Alvarado arrived on the island Thursday with his family and the NBA championship trophy.

“Today, Puerto Rico is not only welcoming an NBA champion but also a Puerto Rican who carries the island in his heart wherever he goes. José Alvarado is the third Puerto Rican to win an NBA championship, a feat made possible through his unique tenacity,” the governor said as she presented him with the Governor’s Medal and a proclamation.

During the ceremony, González Colón recognized Alvarado’s basketball career, highlighted the signature defensive play that earned him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado,” praised his key contribution to the New York Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years, and acknowledged his accomplishments with the Puerto Rico national basketball team.

Alvarado is the third Puerto Rican to win an NBA title, following Butch Lee, who won with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980, and José Juan Barea, who captured a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

“I congratulate you on this historic achievement and extend my sincerest wishes for good health and a long, successful career, knowing that wherever the game takes you, you will always have the unwavering support of Puerto Rico. While you have mastered the art of stealing basketballs, you have also captured the hearts of our people,” the proclamation reads.

The welcome ceremony, held at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, was also attended by Puerto Rico Basketball Federation Secretary Edmundo Báez; former NBA champion Alfred “Butch” Lee; boxing legend Félix “Tito” Trinidad; singer Daddy Yankee; National Baseball Hall of Famer Carlos Beltrán; Recreation and Sports Secretary Héctor Vázquez Muñiz; Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Norberto Negrón; Police Superintendent Joseph González; Integrated Transit Authority Executive Director Josué Menéndez Agosto; and Aerostar Airport Holdings CEO Jorge Hernández.