Georvis Elias: A Cuban Basketball Veteran Shines in Spain at 42 (INTERVIEW)

The "Rafael Castiello" hall in the capital of Guantánamo was boiling over with excitement, akin to water heated beyond 100 degrees Celsius. Thousands of fans clung to windows, towers, and even the roof, passionately following the action of the Superior Basketball League. Aptly nicknamed the Caldera de San Justo, some of the best players from the 2000s engaged in fierce battles. Among them was Georvis Elias, a strapping young man standing two meters tall and weighing 100 kilos, who, at 42 years old, continues to play in the Spanish basketball league.

“Julita, believe it or not, I’m still playing at 42 in the Baloncesto Daimiel club in Ciudad Real, and now I maintain myself with my 105 kilos of muscle, hahaha,” Elias shared. “I left Cuba in 2009 to play a friendly match against the great Spanish team led by the Gasol brothers and company in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. For me, it was always a one-way trip because I had already decided—I wanted to be free!”

Adjusting to Life in Spain

When asked how he was received in Spain, Elias said, "There is a large Cuban community in Gran Canaria, and we were warmly welcomed from the start. I say 'we' because you might remember we were four: the pivots Georfry Silvestre and Grismay Paumier, and the guard Taylor García. We felt at home." He continued, "Our decision to stay was made in Cuba between my brother, Gato Silvestre, and me. The younger players, Paumier and Taylor, joined us. Initially, it was nerve-wracking; imagine the life change: no home, no family, no familiar faces, no country, but never regret."

Two weeks after arriving, they were joined by the legendary Aroldis Chapman, who had left the team in the Netherlands before the traditional Rotterdam tournament. "He found us because our decision made waves. It was a media event: four out of twelve players stayed in Spain. Chapman found us through a photo taken at a bar and helped us from day one. We also received support from Yuriorkis Gamboa. We spent months between Barcelona and Andorra until Chapman left for the United States."

Maintaining Form and Career in Spain

Asked about how he stays in shape, Elias remarked, "They call me the Train of Guantánamo for my enviable physique. I take care of myself, but can you imagine who I would be in Cuba now? If even superstars are forgotten. I might have been a coach at the EIDE in Guaso at best. Staying here was the best decision of my life. I maintain myself with exercise and a good diet; I have everything I need."

Currently living in Ciudad Real, Elias plays for Baloncesto Daimiel. He has also played for Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha, where he holds records for points, rebounds, and assists. "I have a jersey hung on the wall of the court, an homage to the best players. I spent four years with Albacete and now five with Daimiel. In the Canary Islands, I played for teams in Lanzarote and Tenerife. In 2012, I nearly made the Gran Canaria first division team, but my papers were not yet in order as a Spanish citizen."

Beginnings and Experiences

Elias started playing basketball at eight, training at the legendary Caldera de San Justo. His first and most cherished coach was Antonio Martín. Despite attempts to divert him to volleyball, Elias stuck with basketball. Guantánamo has a rich basketball tradition, crowned national champions three times in the 80s and forming a formidable partnership with Santiago players in the Superior League. Elias reminisced about the fervor for basketball in his hometown and watching NBA games on the naval base channel.

By the age of 15, Elias was already playing in top-level tournaments, impressing everyone with his skills. He quickly moved up to the national sports school in Havana and joined the national team at 18. "I was the typical 'kid' of the team," Elias shared, recalling his early days. A pivotal moment came when he had to step in due to injuries and foul troubles during a semifinal game against Capitalinos. "Those minutes on the court marked my breakthrough," he said.

His journey with the national team was challenging, especially during a time when many top players left Cuba. "From 2000 to 2009, I was in the national team, but it was mostly training without international exposure. Our only goal was the Superior Basketball League. It was tough, but it made me who I am today—a free man."

Elias played mainly as a small forward but was versatile enough to fill in at power forward and center positions. His most significant international experience was at the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games in Cartagena.

Reflecting on his time in Cuba, Elias said, "Basketball's Superior League was even more spectacular than the National Baseball Series at its peak. The Caldera de San Justo was packed, with fans everywhere. When I stayed in Spain, fans wrote to me, saying they no longer wanted to watch basketball in Guantánamo. The arena has never been filled like it used to."

Despite the challenges of playing basketball in Cuba, Elias remains hopeful for the future. "Now, at least some players can play abroad, benefiting our basketball and themselves. However, internally, resources are lacking. Conditions are deplorable, from transportation to the state of the courts."

Asked about his aspirations for Cuban athletes, Elias said, "I support all Cubans, no matter where they compete. In the Olympics, I will cheer for all Cuban athletes."

On personal fulfillment, Elias stated, "I feel accomplished. I’ve had my career outside Cuba. I have my jersey hung in a pavilion here in Spain, a tribute to legends. Another dream came true when I played with fellow Guantanamero Raudelis Guerra. He stayed in Madrid nearly three years ago and played with me for two years before moving to Córdoba, Andalucía."

About future plans, Elias laughed, "Georvis Junior? Soon! You’ll be the first to know. Thank you for not forgetting me. Send my regards to Lolo (Julito), hahaha."