- April 29, 2024
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Windermere High School men’s basketball team shooting guard Charlier Torres was part of the 17U Puerto Rico team that won the 17U FIBA Championship that took place from July 26 to 30 in Belize.
“It means a lot; I never thought I’d be here and to represent my country, it’s crazy,” he said. “Seeing everybody supporting us, it’s nice to feel (the support).”
To bring home a gold medal, the Puerto Rican selection first defeated Jamaica 102-54, then Panama 90-46 and then Belize 91-60 during the third round of games to advance to the semifinals — where a 69-54 victory put the team in the championship game. It was in this game they defeated the Dominican Republic 106-57 Sunday, July 30.
“First, we (were there) to qualify for next year and, we (were) also hoping to come here and win gold,” Torres said.
His eligibility to be part of the 17U Puerto Rican selection comes as a result of his parents and grandparents having been born in Puerto Rico.
“It means the world to me seeing him play at such high level while following his dream and having fun meeting new cultures and traveling,” his father, Peter Torres, said. “Watching him win the gold medal this past Sunday was the most gratifying experience I have ever witnessed.”
BASKETBALL BEGINNINGS
Charlier Torres, 17, was born Feb. 1, 2006, in Celebration. The love and passion he feels for the game of basketball stem from his early years, as he recalls being 7 years old when he first held a basketball in his hands.
“I started to take it seriously when I was in fourth or fifth grade, and from there, I’ve been playing since,” he said. “It was my older brother, Jillfred Torres, (who got me into basketball). He’d be playing basketball with my dad, Peter Torres, and then I would always jump in and play around with him. And then, I just liked it so much I just kept playing.”
Charlier Torres fell in love with basketball, in part, because, even when playing competitively, he is creating fun moments and making new memories with his teammates — who he also is able to call friends.
“I love how I can meet with new kids and we can get super close and just have fun together,” he said.
Over the years, Charlier Torres has developed a high basketball IQ that serves him well when on the court, which he appreciates and does not take for granted.
“I know usually what players are going to do when I guard them or when they guard me,” he said. “It’s just easier that way, and then every year as I grow, I get better at it. I’ve been playing the game a lot, so when I play, I play a lot, I work out a lot, so it’s just a habit I’ve got.”
A resourceful, fast-learning, dynamic, respectful and funny individual, Charlier Torres constantly stays humble and shows compassion to others on and off the court.
“A lot of players are skilled but don’t have the ability to listen to the coach or allow themselves to be coached,” trainer TJ Bannister said. “Charlier makes the coaches’ job easier because he not only listens but he’s got an IQ that allows him to manipulate plays for the coach as well.”
Currently, Charlier Torres is undergoing the college recruitment process and has paid visits to a number of universities.
However, these accomplishments came after he and his family lived through a health-scare moment, when Charlier Torres was rushed to the Nemours Children Hospital for having his blood sugar levels at 593.
“The doctor said it’s a miracle that he’s alive, he should at least be in a coma,” Peter Torres said. “But, we guess he’s an elite athlete.”
17U FIBA BOUND
To become part of the 17U Puerto Rico basketball selection that represented the Caribbean island in the 17U FIBA Championship, Charlier Torres first traveled to Puerto Rico in 2021, where he went through a series of tryouts prior to being selected. However, to be a part of this year’s selection, he attended team practices and was chosen once more.
“They still wanted me on the team, so here I am,” he said.
Being the starting shooting guard for the Wolverines and a rising senior at Windermere High, Charlier Torres was excited for the challenge — and the opportunity — to represent Puerto Rico in such a renowned tournament, where he was able to play at one of the highest levels he’s ever played on a basketball court.
“There was a lot of good competition over (there),” he said. “It’s very physical, and the atmosphere they’ve got over (there), it was different — the game is faster.”
To prepare for the tournament, Charlier Torres traveled to Puerto Rico at the beginning of July and stayed for two weeks, practicing with the team prior to stepping foot on the courts in Belize.
“I already knew a couple of the players,” he said. “We just practice every single day, and I got close with everybody on my team. We had good chemistry already.”
Now that Torres, and the Puerto Rican 17U basketball selection, placed first in the 17U FIBA Championship, the boys have moved on to the next round of the tournament and potentially the 2024 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup.
