Omar Walcott Roberts, a towering center who helped anchor the national basketball team during its first continental title and historic Olympic debut, died following a battle with cancer, EL NACIONAL reported.
Walcott Roberts passed away after disclosing his diagnosis last August, when he publicly requested financial assistance to cover medical treatments. Former owners from the former Professional Basketball League, former national team players, and his former club Marinos de Anzoátegui confirmed the death.
Born in Caracas on July 24, 1965, the 2.06-meter interior player established himself as a physical presence during the golden era of domestic basketball. He secured titles with Marinos de Oriente in 1991, 1992, and 1998, and later added a championship with Cocodrilos de Caracas in 2000.
Domingo Cirigliano, former owner of Marinos de Oriente, shared a statement regarding the loss of the veteran player.
“Triste noticia la q he recibido hoy de la muerte de Omar Walcott. Hace apenas par de días q recibí de él bendiciones Omar venía sufriendo de cancer que no pudo vencer Mi profundo pesar así familia Walcott formó parte del equipo de indestructibles del 1991 dejando un inmenso…”, said Domingo Cirigliano, expropietario del Acorazado Oriental.
Walcott Roberts Played in the 1992 Olympic Games
Walcott Roberts earned a place among the 12 players selected to represent the country at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. During Venezuela’s first-ever Olympic basketball appearance, he averaged 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest.
He was a foundational piece of the squad that captured the inaugural championship at the 1991 South American Basketball Championship. Beyond the domestic league, his professional career included a stint in Portugal and a brief period with Taugrés Coren-Orense in 1992.
His final international appearances for the senior national team came in 2001 at the South American Championship in Valdivia and the Tournament of the Americas in Neuquén. Coach James Calvin selected the veteran center for those tournaments, relying on his tactical understanding and court vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Omar Walcott
What teams did Omar Walcott play for in the domestic league? He won championships with Marinos de Oriente in 1991, 1992, and 1998, and with Cocodrilos de Caracas in 2000. He also played internationally in Portugal and briefly with Taugrés Coren-Orense in 1992.
What were his statistics at the 1992 Olympics? During Venezuela’s historic appearance at the Barcelona Olympic Games, the 2.06-meter center averaged 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
When did he last represent the national team? His final appearances for the national squad took place in 2001 at the South American Championship in Valdivia and the Tournament of the Americas in Neuquén.
