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Mets de Guaynabo (basketball)

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Mets de Guaynabo
Mets de Guaynabo logo
LeagueBaloncesto Superior Nacional
Founded1935
HistoryCangrejeros de Santurce
(1935–1976)
Conquistadores de Guaynabo
(2007-2010)
Mets de Guaynabo
(1976–2000; 2010-2013, 2015, 2020–present)
ArenaMario Morales Coliseum
LocationGuaynabo, Puerto Rico
Team colorsNavy, White, Cyan
     
Head coachJosé Juan Barea
OwnershipMarc D. Grossman
Mark Linder
Championships3 (1980, 1982, 1989)
Retired numbers5 Federico López, 9 José Sosa, 15 Mario Morales
Websitehttps://metsbasketball.com/

The Guaynabo Mets are a Puerto Rican professional basketball team based in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, competing in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), the island's premier basketball league, as part of its East Division. Originally founded in 1935 as the Cangrejeros of Santurce, the franchise relocated to Guaynabo in 1976, adopting the Mets moniker due to the city's metropolitan location. The Mets play their home games at Mario Morales Coliseum, named after Mets legend Mario "Quijote" Morales a legendary player who guided the Mets to three BSN championships in the 1980s (1980, 1982, and 1989).[1][2]

The Mets reached the finals in 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1993 and 2021.

Team history

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Under the leadership of seasoned coach Julio Toro, the Mets achieved a level of excellence that led them to win three championships: in 1980, 1982, and 1989. These titles were marked by the leadership of Mario "Quijote" Morales, a legendary forward whose on-court skill and off-court charisma made him the face of the franchise. Alongside him, players like Federico "Fico" López brought talent and depth to the team, creating a chemistry that propelled them to several additional finals appearances. [3][4][5]

1980: This marked the first championship for the Mets in their new home after relocating from Santurce. Under the guidance of coach Julio Toro, the team showcased a strong roster led by Mario "Quijote" Morales, whose scoring ability and leadership were pivotal. The Mets defeated their opponents in the finals, establishing themselves as a rising force in the BSN and setting the stage for their successful decade.[3]

1982: Two years later, the Mets claimed their second title, further solidifying their dominance in the 1980s. With Julio Toro still at the helm and Morales continuing to shine, the team displayed exceptional teamwork and defensive prowess. This championship came after a hard-fought series, highlighting their consistency and ability to perform under pressure against the league's top competition.[3]

1989: The Mets’ third championship arrived at the end of the decade, capping off a remarkable run. Mario Morales remained the cornerstone of the team, supported by a talented supporting cast. This victory was particularly significant as it came after several near-misses in the finals earlier in the decade (1981, 1983, and 1985), proving the team's resilience and determination to reclaim the BSN crown.[6][7]

Conquistadores de Guaynabo

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Basketball in Guaynabo has deep roots, particularly associated with the Mets de Guaynabo, a historic franchise that began in 1935 as the Cangrejeros de Santurce and moved to Guaynabo in 1976. The Mets dominated the league in the 1980s, winning championships in 1980, 1982, and 1989. However, in the early 2000s, the Mets faced financial difficulties that led to their hiatus, leaving a void in Guaynabo’s representation in the BSN. In this context, the Conquistadores de Guaynabo emerged as a response to the need to keep basketball alive in the city. In November 2005, after the temporary disappearance of the Mets, the Gallitos de Isabela franchise was relocated to Guaynabo at the initiative of then-mayor Héctor O'Neill García. This team adopted the name Conquistadores de Guaynabo, marking the return of high-level basketball to the city under a new identity.The Conquistadores debuted in the 2006 BSN season, with Julio César Vega Acosta as their first team owner and later Jorge Cátala Monge. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the Conquistadores could not replicate the historic success of the Mets. During their existence, the team faced both sporting and administrative challenges. The Conquistadores did win any titles nor reach the BSN finals, and its tenure in the league was relatively short-lived. In 2009, after resolving issues related to the rights to the Guaynabo franchise name, it was decided to reinstate the "Mets" name for all the city’s sports franchises, marking the end of the Conquistadores as an active entity in the BSN. That year, the Mets were reestablished, replacing the Conquistadores and reviving the more iconic name. Although the Conquistadores did not leave a deep mark in terms of championships or sporting achievements, their existence served as a temporary bridge to keep professional basketball alive in Guaynabo. After their dissolution in 2009, the Mets returned and continued competing in the BSN.[8]

Return as an expansion team

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On November 22, 2019, league officials announced the first expansion team since 1993 would be established in the San Juan area.[9][10] Owners Marc Grossman and Mark Linder initially eyed Roberto Clemente Coliseum as the home court for their new team, but San Juan's Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz [11]expressed concerns the team wouldn't be able to play a full season at the venue due to previously scheduled events.[12] Grossman and Linder then decided to revive the Mets de Guaynabo, five years after the original team left Guaynabo.[13][14][15][16][17]

The team reintroduced themselves on December 17, 2019, in a press conference with Grossman, former Puerto Rico national basketball team general manager Alfredo Morales, Guaynabo Mayor Angel Perez Otero, and BSN President Ricardo Dalmau.[13][18] During the press conference, team officials revealed the new team, the league's tenth, signed its first free agent, Angel Alamo.[18] Alamo was a 34-year-old forward who had played previously for the Mets in 2012 and 2013.[13][19] The team also selected four players in an expansion draft on November 22, 2019, and received the 11th pick in the January 15, 2020 draft.[18][12][20][21][22][23]

Recent Performance (2020–2024)

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The 2020 season in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) marked the Mets return to the league after a five-year absence, having been reinstated with new ownership in 2019. The season, delayed and condensed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was played in a "bubble" format in Puerto Rico, starting in November 2020. The Mets showed promise in their comeback year, finishing the regular season with a competitive record and securing a spot in the playoffs. They advanced to the semifinals, a significant achievement for a team reestablishing itself, but their run ended with a 2-1 series loss to the Vaqueros de Bayamón, falling just short of their first BSN Finals appearance since 1993. The semifinal defeat came in a close Game 3, with Bayamón edging out a 79-76 victory. Key performances from players like David Stockton, who led with 40 points in a crucial regular season win, highlighted the Mets’ potential, setting the stage for their stronger showings in subsequent years. Overall, the 2020 season was a bittersweet but encouraging return for the Mets, blending a rollercoaster of challenges with a solid foundation for future success.[24][25]

2021 season: Building on their semifinal appearance in 2020, the Mets showcased resilience and talent, ultimately reaching the BSN Finals.

In the regular season, the Mets finished with a strong 21-11 record, placing them among the league’s top teams and securing a favorable playoff seed. Their postseason run began with a quarterfinal matchup against the Leones de Ponce, whom they defeated 4-2 in a six-game series. A standout moment came in Game 6, when captain Jonathan Han hit a dramatic half-court buzzer-beater to clinch an 83-80 victory with the score tied at 80-80 and less than six seconds remaining—an iconic play that propelled them forward.

In the semifinals, the Mets faced the Vaqueros de Bayamón, the team that had eliminated them in 2020. This time, they pushed the series to seven games, splitting the first six with notable performances, including a 101-93 win in Game 2 led by Han’s 20 points. Despite Han’s hamstring injury sidelining him late in the series, the Mets prevailed 4-3, advancing to the Finals for the first time since 1993.

In the BSN Finals, the Mets met the Capitanes de Arecibo, a formidable opponent led by Walter Hodge. The series was competitive, with Guaynabo splitting the first two games—Arecibo won Game 1 (86-80), while the Mets took Game 2 (91-86). However, Arecibo gained momentum, winning Games 3 and 4 (85-71 and 96-85), putting the Mets on the brink. Guaynabo fought back with an 85-75 victory in Game 5, narrowing the series to 3-2, but Arecibo sealed the championship in Game 6 with a 90-79 win, taking the title 4-2.[26][27][28]

The 2021 season was a breakthrough for the Mets, finishing as runners-up in their deepest playoff run since the early 1990s.

The 2022 season was a step back from their impressive 2021 Finals run, marked by inconsistency and a failure to reach the playoffs. After finishing as runners-up the previous year, the Mets entered 2022 with high expectations under head coach Brad Greenberg but struggled to replicate their prior success. The Mets were unable to maintain the momentum from their 2021 semifinal and Finals appearances. Key players like Jonathan Han, Renaldo Balkman, and Tyquan Rolón remained on the roster, but the team’s cohesion faltered, and they finished outside the postseason picture. This disappointing outcome prompted adjustments in subsequent years, including the high-profile signing of DeMarcus Cousins in 2023, as the Mets sought to reclaim their competitive edge. The 2022 season thus stands as a rare stumble in the franchise’s otherwise strong resurgence.

The Mets acquired DeMarcus Cousins, a former NBA All-Star center just in time for the 2023 season, marking a significant moment for the franchise. Announced on April 11, 2023, Cousins signed with the team as a free agent at the age of 32, aiming to use the stint as a steppingstone to return to the NBA after going unsigned for the 2022-23 season. The Mets, recognizing his pedigree, brought him on board for the spring season, with team co-owner Marc Grossman praising Cousins as “one of the best basketball players of his generation” whose skills, particularly his ability to shoot and stretch the floor, would fit well in the BSN’s fast-paced style.[29][30]

Cousins’ impact on the Mets during his 2023 tenure was notable both on and off the court. He delivered impressive statistical performances, averaging 20.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in 25.48 minutes, while shooting an efficient 44% from beyond the three-point line and 69% from the free-throw line. His presence elevated the team’s competitiveness, guiding them to the BSN playoffs and into the semifinals. However, their championship hopes were dashed by the Gigantes de Carolina, who eliminated the Mets in a hard-fought seven-game series. Cousins suffered an injury early in Game 6, sidelining him for about a week and potentially affecting the team’s late-series momentum, though he had already left a strong mark on their postseason run.[31]

Overall, the 2023 season was a success for the Mets, marking their second semifinal appearance in three years since their 2019 reinstatement. Cousins’ impact, alongside contributions from veterans and emerging talent, solidified their status as a BSN contender, though they couldn’t reclaim the Finals glory of 2021.

In the 2024 season, the Mets continued to build on their competitive standing, though specific results remain incomplete as of early 2025. Their most recent documented game prior to the season’s conclusion was a loss to the Leones de Ponce (87-70), reflecting ongoing challenges against top-tier BSN teams. Over these four seasons, the Guaynabo Mets have solidified their return to prominence in Puerto Rican basketball, balancing playoff appearances with periods of adjustment under head coach José Juan Barea. [32][33][34]

Season-by-season record

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

Season GP W L W–L% Finish Playoffs
2019–20 11 5 6 45% 8th Lost in Semifinals 1-2 (Bayamon)
2020–21 32 17 15 53% 3rd B Lost in Final 2-4 (Capitanes de Arecibo)
2021–22 32 14 18 44% 5th B Did not qualify
2022–23 36 21 15 58% 2nd B Lost in Semifinals 3-4 (Carolina)
2023–24 34 21 13 62% 1st B Lost in Quarterfinals 2-4 (Ponce)

Team's Identity

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Team Logo Evolution

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  • (1976-2015)
    (1976-2015)
  • (2019-2023)
    (2019-2023)
  • (2023-Present)
    (2023-Present)

Alternate Branding

  • Mets Retro Logo
    Mets Retro Logo
  • Homage to Guaynabo City
    Homage to Guaynabo City
  • MStar
    Metro Star

Team Legends

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Mario Morales and Federico "Fico" López had their jersey numbers retired by the team, and the official ceremony honoring their careers took place on November 4, 2021. During a halftime event in Game 6 of the 2021 semifinals against the Vaqueros de Bayamón at the Mario Morales Coliseum, the Mets raised banners to commemorate their contributions. Morales, who wore number 15, and López, who wore number 5, saw their numbers officially retired, ensuring no future Mets player could use them. Morales was present for the recognition, while López, who passed away on November 6, 2006, was represented by his family. This event celebrated their pivotal roles in the Mets’ three championships (1980, 1982, and 1989) and their lasting legacy with the franchise. On May 20, 2024 José Sosa's number 9 was retired and honored along with Morales and López[35][36]

Retired numbers

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The Mets have retired 3 jersey numbers:

Mets de Guaynabo retired numbers
No. Player Position Tenure Ceremony date
15 Mario Morales F 1977-1998 November 11, 2021
5 Federico López G 1981-1997 November 11, 2021
9 José Sosa SG 1977-1986 May 20, 2024

Coaching Staff

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In August 2023, José Juan (J.J.) Barea, a 14-year NBA veteran and 2011 champion with the Dallas Mavericks, was announced as the new head coach of the Guaynabo Mets in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). The Puerto Rican native, who retired from professional basketball in 2022 after a storied playing career, stepped into his first head coaching role with the Mets, a team that had recently made headlines by signing former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins. Barea’s appointment marked a significant milestone for both his coaching career and the franchise, which had reached the BSN semifinals three times in the prior four seasons.[37][38][29][39][40][41]

Barea announced as head coach

Current and Former Rosters

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Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2
C Romero, Ismael Clavel, Gilberto Colón, Benjamin
PF Williams, Dereck Andujar, Emmanuel Pearson, Ryan
SF Douglas, William Piage, Jaysean Roman, José
SG Cotton, Bryce Harris, Robert
PG Boyd, Brandon Mauras, Khary Lee, Matthew

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

2025 Mets de Guaynabo roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Wt. Age
G 0 Puerto Rico Harris, Robert 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 34 – (1991-02-08)February 8, 1991
00 Puerto Rico Roman Angueira, Jose
G 1 Puerto Rico Mauras, Khary 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 27 – (1998-01-23)January 23, 1998
2 Puerto Rico Lee, Matthew
G 6 Puerto Rico Paige, Jaysean 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 30 – (1994-07-30)July 30, 1994
8 Puerto Rico Lugo Sanchez, Carlos
F 10 United States Williams, Derrick 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 240 lb (110 kg) 33 – (1991-05-25)May 25, 1991
G 11 United States Cotton, Bryce 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 168 lb (76 kg) 32 – (1992-08-11)August 11, 1992
G/F 12 United States Douglas, William 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 26 – (1998-11-21)November 21, 1998
G/F 17 Puerto Rico Josiah, Jahvari 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 30 – (1994-07-30)July 30, 1994
21 Puerto Rico Colon Mojica, Benjamin
F 22 Puerto Rico Andújar, Emmanuel 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 33 – (1992-01-27)January 27, 1992
F 24 United States Pearson, Ryan 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 32 – (1993-02-20)February 20, 1993
PG 25 United States Boyd, Brandon 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 28 – (1997-01-03)January 3, 1997
F/C 28 Puerto Rico Romero, Ismael 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 33 – (1991-06-23)June 23, 1991
F 45 Puerto Rico Clavell, Gilberto 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 35 – (1989-08-10)August 10, 1989
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • Puerto Rico Roy Casanova
  • Puerto Rico Alvin Cruz
  • Puerto Rico Alfredo Vélez
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DC) Dual citizenship
  • (I) Import player
  • Injured Injured
Updated: March 19, 2025

Notable players

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References

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  1. ^ "2025 Season - Mets de Guaynabo - Metsbasketball". Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  2. ^ "Baloncesto Superior Nacional Campeonatos".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ a b c "Julio Toro sobre su retiro como dirigente en el BSN: "Lo deseaba, pero me resistía"". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). 2021-05-30. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  4. ^ El GOATCast con Piculín Ortiz (2024-11-08). "Jugando en equipo" - Ep.28 feat. Papiro León. Retrieved 2025-04-01 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ El GOATCast con Piculín Ortiz (2024-05-10). "Los datos son los datos" - Ep.5 feat. Mario Quijote Morales. Retrieved 2025-04-01 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ "MUSEO EL BARRIO INC". www.arnetpr.com. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  7. ^ "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  8. ^ "Renuncia el apoderado de los Conquistadores de Guaynabo". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2009-02-25. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  9. ^ "Alfredo Morales: "Garantizo que este equipo va a competir desde el día uno"". 18 December 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  10. ^ Rios, Antolin Malonado (22 November 2019). "Aprueban apoderados de una nueva franquicia de expansión en el BSN". El Nueva Dia. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  11. ^ "Carmen Yulín Cruz evaluará regreso del BSN a San Juan". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2019-11-24. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  12. ^ a b Torraca, Hiram Alberto (23 November 2019). "Carmen Yulín Cruz evaluará regreso del BSN a San Juan". Primera Hora. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  13. ^ a b c "Guaynabo Mets do not rule out signing American leader". Telemundo Puerto Rico. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  14. ^ Torraca, Hiram Alberto (17 December 2019). "Los Mets de Guaynabo tienen cinco candidatos para la plaza de dirigente". Primera Hora. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  15. ^ "PUERTO RICO MEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE GETS NEW FRANCHISE - Metsbasketball". 2019-12-05. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  16. ^ "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  17. ^ "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  18. ^ a b c "Guaynabo presenta el regreso de sus Mets". 17 December 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  19. ^ "Los nuevos Mets del BSN firman al delantero Ángel Álamo". 8 December 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  20. ^ "Los Mets regresan al BSN por todo lo alto". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2020-03-06. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  21. ^ "EL BSN VOLVERÁ A GUAYNABO EN EL 2020 - Metsbasketball". 2019-12-04. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  22. ^ "LOS METS DE GUAYNABO SE TRAZAN AMBICIOSAS METAS EN SU REGRESO AL BSN - Metsbasketball". 2019-12-17. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  23. ^ "Toma forma la nueva franquicia del BSN". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2019-12-02. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  24. ^ Noticentro.tv (2020-11-22). "Mets logran victoria sobre los Vaqueros en la burbuja". WAPA.TV (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  25. ^ "Los Mets ponchan el primer boleto semifinalista en la 'burbuja'". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2020-12-07. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  26. ^ "GUAYNABO METS CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT, ANNOUNCE POSTSEASON TICKETS - Metsbasketball". 2021-10-08. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  27. ^ "La final del BSN estrenará nuevo formato". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  28. ^ VOCERO, Giovanny Vega, EL (2021-11-17). "Los Capitanes de Arecibo se coronan campeones del Baloncesto Superior Nacional". El Vocero de Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-03-31.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ a b "DeMarcus Cousins Signing With Puerto Rico's Guaynabo Mets - Metsbasketball". 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  30. ^ "Mets Sweep Capitanes, Advance to BSN Semifinals - Metsbasketball". 2023-06-28. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  31. ^ "Mets Fall Short of La Final Brava in Memorable 2023 Season - Metsbasketball". 2023-07-17. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  32. ^ Redacción, La (2024-07-02). "Guaynabo asegura el primer puesto de la sección B". Periódico La Perla (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  33. ^ "Jaysean Paige anota 39 puntos para darle a José Juan Barea su primera victoria con los Mets". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2024-04-06. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  34. ^ "¡Calientes los Mets! Guaynabo acaba con el invicto de Arecibo y suma cinco triunfos al hilo". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  35. ^ VOCERO, Giovanny Vega, EL (2021-11-04). "Mets de Guaynabo honran la carrera de Quijote Morales y Fico López". El Vocero de Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-03-31.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ NotiUno.com (2020-03-10). "Rinden homenaje al equipo Mets de Guaynabo de 1980". UNO Radio Group. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  37. ^ "Guaynabo Mets Hire J.J. Barea as Head Coach - Metsbasketball". 2023-08-07. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
  38. ^ "Guaynabo Mets Hire J.J. Barea as Head Coach - Metsbasketball". 2023-08-07. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  39. ^ "JJ Barea transitions to head coach in his native Puerto Rico". basketnews.com. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  40. ^ "Former NBA player J.J. Barea lands head coaching job in the Puerto Rican Basketball League". Al Día News. 2025-03-18. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  41. ^ "Former Dallas Maverick lands head coaching job in Puerto Rico". The Smoking Cuban. 2023-08-07. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  42. ^ "Estadisticas de Mario". World Hoopstats. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  43. ^ "Estadisticas de Federico Lopez Camacho en BSN (Puerto Rico)". World Hoopstats. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  44. ^ "Estadisticas de Jose Sosa Oliveras en BSN (Puerto Rico)". World Hoopstats. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  45. ^ "Estadisticas de Francisco". World Hoopstats. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  46. ^ Proballers. "Renaldo Balkman, Jugador de baloncesto". Proballers (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-04-01.
  47. ^ Proballers. "DeMarcus Cousins, Jugador de baloncesto". Proballers (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-04-01.
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