Cándido Antonio "Chicho" Sibilio Hughes (3 October 1958 – 10 August 2019) was a Dominican-born basketball player who became a prominent figure in Spanish club basketball and represented Spain at international level. He is best known for a long tenure with FC Barcelona Bàsquet in the late 1970s and 1980s and for competing in the men's basketball tournament at the 1980 Summer Olympics.

Career

Sibilio spent the main part of his professional career with FC Barcelona Bàsquet from 1976 to 1989, a period during which he established himself as a regular first-team player and a familiar presence in Spanish domestic competition. His club career spanned the transition years of Spanish basketball as the national league gained broader professional structure and public attention.

Playing style and role

Nicknamed "Chicho," Sibilio played primarily as a forward. He was valued for his scoring ability and versatility on the court, combining size and shooting that allowed him to contribute in multiple offensive roles. Teammates and opponents regarded him as a reliable scoring option and a steady veteran presence through the 1980s.

International play and recognition

Sibilio earned selection to the Spanish national team and took part in major events, most notably the 1980 Summer Olympics. His participation at international tournaments helped raise his profile beyond club competition and made him one of the better-known Dominican-born athletes active in Spain at the time. For more on his international record see the player profile here and the 1980 Olympic tournament overview here.

Legacy and notable facts

  • One of the earliest Dominican-born players to have a sustained impact in Spanish basketball.
  • Long-serving member of FC Barcelona during a formative era for the club and the Spanish league.
  • Remembered for steady scoring, professionalism and for helping popularize the sport among expatriate communities.

After retiring from professional play, Sibilio returned to the Dominican Republic. He died on 10 August 2019 in San Gregorio de Nigua, on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, from complications related to diabetes. His death prompted tributes from former clubs, teammates and fans who recalled his contribution to Spanish basketball and his role as a bridge between the Dominican Republic and Spanish sports communities.