TORONTO—A little over one year after representing the Dominican Republic at the U19 FIBA World Cup, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's basketball guard Fernando De Los Santos represented his home country once again on the international stage.
De Los Santos was selected to represent the Dominican Republic U20 Men's National Team at the Central American and Caribbean Games. The quadrennial tournament tipped off on July 24 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with play concluding on Aug. 8.
"Growing up, I've always dreamt about representing my country, so having the opportunity to wear those colours is something I never take for granted," said De Los Santos. "I know I'm representing my family, everyone who believed in me, and the place that shaped who I am."
Now a student-athlete of the TMU Bold, he not only represented his country but also the university on the international stage, an opportunity he was thrilled to embrace.
"Representing the TMU Bold is special; they've helped me grow as a player and as a person," said De Los Santos. "It's an opportunity to show the hard work and teamwork I've done while being there. I'm grateful to represent both, and I want to make them proud every time I step on the court."
The 6'4" guard has previously represented the Dominican Republic Youth National Team in 2023 at the Centrobasket U17 Championship, in 2024 at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship and in 2025 at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.
While many find international play daunting, De Los Santos carries a positive attitude.
"My mindset is simple, stay locked in and focus on the next play," De Los Santos noted. "Big tournaments come with a lot of pressure, but I try not to get caught up in that. I trust the Lord and his plan, the work I've put in over the years and stay confident."
In group stage play, the Dominican Republic was dominant, bolstering a 3-0 record. They opened the tournament with a commanding 107-40 victory over Guatemala on July 26, followed by a hard-fought 78-75 win against Belize two days later. They wrapped preliminary round play with an 89-60 win against Nicaragua.
Advancing to the semifinals, the Dominican Republic faced Mexico, who entered the game with a 2-1 preliminary record. In a back-and-forth battle, the Dominican Republic eventually pulled away with a 78-65 win.
A victory for the Dominican Republic set up a rivalry in the gold-medal match, Team Dominican Republic vs. Team Puerto Rico.
The game shaped up to be another tight battle, but Puerto Rico pulled away in the fourth quarter, scoring 35 points to secure a 94-75 victory over the Dominican Republic.
Throughout the Central American and Caribbean Games, De Los Santos played as a shooting guard. In the final matchup, he shot 67 per cent from the field.
"Every tournament is a chance to compete against great players, showcase my talent, and represent my country with pride," said De Los Santos. "At the end of the day, I just want to leave everything I have on the court and know I gave my best."
Following a summer of international competition, De Los Santos will look to build on that experience as he makes his OUA debut this fall with the Bold.
