Santo Domingo.- The executive committee of Dominican Olympic Committee (COD) described as impressive the achievement of basketball player Al Horford, who was crowned champion with the Boston Celtics team in the Basketball of the NBA.
The members of the executive of the Olympic body, chaired by engineer Garibaldy Bautista, highlighted Horford’s dedication, skill and determination to be an important piece for the Celtics to achieve their 18th crown.
“Your victory not only makes the Dominican Republic proud, but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes who see in you an example to follow,” says a note signed by engineer Bautista and Luis Chanlatte, general secretary.
“Your commitment to sporting excellence and your role as an ambassador for our country in the international arena are worthy of admiration. We hope that this triumph marks only the beginning of more successes and recognitions in your career,” the note continued.
COD executives congratulated Al Horford for becoming the first basketball player to win a championship ring in the NBA and hoped that the success achieved will give him great satisfaction and motivation than seeking new challenges.
After 17 seasons in the NBA, The native of Puerto Plata became the first Dominican in history to win a championship, after the victory of Boston Celtics 106 for 88 about Dallas Mavericks in the fifth game of the Final of the 2023-24 season.
Horford, who in his playing career has accumulated success at the university level with two championships with the Florida Gators, with the Dominican Basketball Teamas well as five selections at Stars gameone to the team All-NBA and one to the team All-Defense of the NBA, now adds a championship from the most important basketball league in the world, which ensures serious consideration for the Hall of Fame.Horford broke the mark set by Gary Payton in 2006 to become the player who has needed the most postseason games in the history of the league to win his first championship with 186 games played in the playoffs. Additionally, he removes his name from the list of players with the most playoff games played without reaching a championship, in which until this moment, he occupied second place, only behind Carl Malone (193).
