CARACAS, VENEZUELA — Former NBA star Dennis Rodman teared up earlier today during a press conference, revealing the deep personal connections he had with the late Hugo Chavez, the former President of Venezuela.

“I’m at a loss for words right now,” Rodman said between sniffles. “I used to travel to Venezuela every summer so Hugo and I could play golf. He was a great leader, and more importantly a great friend.”

Chavez and Rodman’s relationship was based on a deep sense of mutual respect between the two public figures. Rodman tried to emulate Chavez’s leadership skills on the court, and Chavez mimicked Rodman’s flamboyant personality and his “don’t take shit from nobody” attitude in his presidency.

Chavez always relied on Rodman for any communication he wanted to convey to the United States, and Rodman always urged Clinton, Bush, and Obama to set up talks with Chavez. “Hugo and I would do anything for each other. I put him in contact with the White House, and he would tell me if my hair looked cool,” said Rodman.

At press time, Kim Jong Un was reportedly jealous of the two’s long-lasting friendship; he tweeted at Rodman, threatening to use his nuclear bombs on both Venezuela and the United States if Rodman didn’t “come hang out more.”