MÁLAGA, Spain – The basketball world receives worrying news. Chris Duarte, recently acquired by Unicaja de Málaga, has announced a pause in his sporting career. The decision comes after suffering a lumbar injury during the finals of the Puerto Rico league, where he played with the Vaqueros de Bayamón.
Prioritizing Health
The injury, suffered in the first game of the final series against the Leones de Ponce, will keep him off the courts for the rest of the competition. Duarte, visibly affected by the situation, shared his feelings through social media.Duarte’s absence is also reflected in the first call-up by Ernesto “Ché” García, coach of the Dominican Republic, for the AmeriCup 2025. The tournament will be held in Managua, Nicaragua, from August 22 to 31, where the Dominican team will share Group D with Argentina, Colombia, and the host team. The forward is expected to travel to Málaga to be evaluated by the Unicaja medical team, who will determine the real extent of his injury. In the Puerto Rican season, Duarte proved his worth with averages of 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5 assists, establishing himself as a key figure in the offense. Duarte has assured that he will continue to support his team from outside the court and trusts that his teammates will win the championship.Today I have to take a break and prioritize my health. I am focused on recovering responsibly so I can return stronger, with the same dedication that has always characterized me.
Chris Duarte
