Puerto Rico’s Aleem Ford relishes Fiba World Cup opportunity

Puerto Rico’s Aleem Ford. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Fiba World Cup has been a beacon of opportunities for players around the world to showcase their talents and make themselves known on the international basketball scene.

Puerto Rico swingman Aleem Ford is one of those players who is making the most out of that chance.

Despite not being the main man for the Puerto Ricans, Ford is still making a huge impact on the team. He was the spark plug off the bench for Puerto Rico in the squad’s 107-89 win over China on Wednesday.

Not being the star player, however, doesn’t bother Ford at all.

“[I’m] just staying ready. It’s the World Cup, it’s a big stage so you never know the types of opportunity you’re gonna get so I’ll just stay locked in, stay ready and make sure to play for the name of the front not the name on the back,” Ford said after he contributed seven points, two assists and a block in 16 minutes.

Against Serbia on Monday, Ford had nine points all from downtown.

The 25-year-old Ford was undrafted in the NBA in 2021 but still wound up playing five games for the Orlando Magic in the 2021-22 season and averaged 2.8 points and 3.0 per game.

Aside from Ford, John Holland and Chris Ortiz are also playing their roles well for Puerto Rico.

“We have guys like John Holland and Chris Ortiz, guys that step up and being professional and always being ready for the opportunity,”  Ford said.

Holland (9) and Ortiz scored 13 while Holland had nine to help Puerto Rico earn a spot in the second round.

Of course, having leaders and veterans like Ismael Romero and Tremont Waters are certainly of big help for young guns like Ford.

“Just being able to learn from them [is good.] We’re a few young guys in the team so it’s good to be able to learn from them and build on every opportunity,” said Ford.

“We go out and practice every day and I feel like that’s why we’ve been able to perform the way we wanted to in these past few games so we’re just trying to be consistent with that, taking in everything we can.”

Romero, who finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, also commended Ford’s readiness to play in such a big event like the World Cup.

“He’s a great player. He does the job, he’s young, we believe in him. He’s ready for games like these but I hope everybody keeps improving for the next round and we’ll be good.”