MIAMI (United States) – The Panamanian Basketball Federation (Fepaba) announced the appointment of Puerto Rican Nelson Colón as the new coach of the Panama national team. Colón replaces the Argentine Gonzalo García in the position and will make his debut at the head of the team in the second window of the Americas Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which will be held between February 26 and March 2.
The new coach arrives with an outstanding international career. He previously led the Puerto Rico national team, which qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, a tournament in which they finished in 12th place, and also led them to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, after becoming champion of the San Juan Olympic Qualification Tournament, playing at home. “I receive this opportunity with deep gratitude, respect and commitment to Panamanian basketball and to all the athletes who proudly represent the colors of Panama,” Colón said in a statement. “Assuming this role involves working with discipline, vision and dedication to contribute to the growth of the national team and the comprehensive development of the sport.”
He also added that his project will be focused on consolidating the foundations of the Panamanian team: “My focus will be aimed at strengthening the team structure, supporting local talent and promoting a work culture based on unity, effort and competitive excellence. I firmly believe in the potential of Panamanian basketball and the importance of building a solid and sustainable project.” At the club level, Colón also has an outstanding record in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) of Puerto Rico, where he was champion four times (2014, 2015, 2020 and 2022). Panama reaches this new stage of the Qualifiers with a 0-2 record in Group D, after two losses against Uruguay. In the second window, the Central American team will visit Cuba on February 27 and then will be at home against Argentina on March 2.
FIBA
