In the ranks of the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA There is a member proud of his Puerto Rican roots.
Carter D. Bryant, a 6’6″ and 20-year-old forward, spoke with the portal last Monday culturasports.com about its relationship with Puerto Rico.
“My maternal grandfather is Puerto Rican, born and raised there. He moved to New York when he was a little older,” shared Bryant, a Spurs rookie.
“My mother and my uncles grew up going every summer (to the island). My aunt Michelle lives there. I have family there. I have only been twice but I hope to return next summer,” he added.
Bryant is a native of Riverside, California and played for the Arizona Wildcats at the collegiate level (NCCA). This year, he was the 14th pick in the first round of the draft of the NBA by the Spurs, whose star is the phenomenon center Victor Wembanyama.
In 22 games to date, he is averaging 2.4 points in 7.4 minutes per game off the bench. San Antonio is second in the Western Conference with a 23-7 record.
“Puerto Ricans have a lot of pride. When you are Puerto Rican, you are proud to be Puerto Rican. For me, being able to represent them in a small way, shooting balls through a hoop and I am proud to represent Puerto Rico in that way,” Bryant noted.
Regarding the National Team, the young basket player reported that he has held conversations with Carlos Arroyo, general manager of the adult program.
“We have talked a little. Just congratulating me and helping me in the process I am in. I contacted him on Instagram so we have written to each other from time to time. A good human being, great person”he indicated.
Byrant could only play and debut with Puerto Rico in 2026 in the third window of the FIBA World Cup 2027, which will be played in July one month after the NBA finals end.
“I haven’t thought about it. I’m trying to adapt (in the NBA) with the Spurs. I’m on it. We will see when the time comes,” he said.
