From 2013 NBA Finals to 2026 opening night, Sebastian De La Cruz returns to Spurs spotlight

San Antonio native Sebastian De La Cruz returned to Frost Bank Center on Tuesday, performing the national anthem before the Spurs’ season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Known as “El Charro de Oro,” the 24-year-old singer wore a dark charro-inspired suit with gold embellishments and a colorful bow tie bearing the words “Crazy Hispanic Fans,” a nod to the Spurs’ fan base.

De La Cruz has performed the national anthem for the Spurs at several milestone moments. He first gained national attention in 2013, when he sang before an NBA Finals game between the Spurs and Miami Heat. He was 11 at the time and became the target of racist comments online, prompting an outpouring of support from Spurs fans and the organization.

He returned to Frost Bank Center during the Spurs’ 2026 playoff run, singing the anthem before Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers and again before Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Spurs entered this season after reaching the NBA Finals, where they lost to the New York Knicks. De La Cruz’s latest performance continued his long-running connection with the team and its fans.

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This article originally published at From 2013 NBA Finals to 2026 opening night, Sebastian De La Cruz returns to Spurs spotlight.