Mets de Guaynabo (basketball)

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).

Mets de Guaynabo
League	Baloncesto Superior Nacional
Founded	1935
History	Cangrejeros de Santurce (1935–1976) Conquistadores de Guaynabo (2007-2010) Mets de Guaynabo (1976–2000; 2010-2013, 2015, 2020–present)
Arena	Mario Morales Coliseum
Location	Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Team colors	Navy, White, Cyan
Head coach	José Juan Barea
Ownership	Marc D. Grossman Mark Linder
Championships	3 (1980, 1982, 1989)
Retired numbers	5 Federico López, 9 José Sosa, 15 Mario Morales
Website	https://metsbasketball.com/
Home Away Third

Team history

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. In 1981, 1983, 1985, 1991, and 1993, the Mets reached the championship game.^[1]

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.

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.

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.^[2][3]

Conquistadores de Guaynabo

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.^[4]

Return as an expansion team

On November 22, 2019, league officials announced the first expansion team since 1993 would be established in the San Juan area.^[5][6] 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 ^[7]expressed concerns the team wouldn't be able to play a full season at the venue due to previously scheduled events.^[8] Grossman and Linder then decided to revive the Mets de Guaynabo, five years after the original team left Guaynabo.^{[9][10][11][12][13]}

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.^[9][14] During the press conference, team officials revealed the new team, the league's tenth, signed its first free agent, Angel Alamo.^[14] Alamo was a 34-year-old forward who had played previously for the Mets in 2012 and 2013.^[9][15] 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.^{[14][8][16][17][18][19]}

Recent Performance (2020–2024)

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.^[20][21]

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.^[22][23][24]

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.^[25][26]

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.^[27]

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.

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 (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

Team Logo Evolution

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

Alternate Branding

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

Team Legends

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^[28][29]

• 
• 

Retired numbers

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

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.^[30][31][25]

Barea announced as head coach

Current Roster

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 Harris, Robert 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 34 – (1991-02-08)February 8, 1991 00 Roman Angueira, Jose G 1 Mauras, Khary 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 27 – (1998-01-23)January 23, 1998 2 Lee, Matthew G 6 Paige, Jaysean 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 30 – (1994-07-30)July 30, 1994 8 Lugo Sanchez, Carlos F 10 Williams, Derrick 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 240 lb (110 kg) 33 – (1991-05-25)May 25, 1991 G 11 Cotton, Bryce 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 168 lb (76 kg) 32 – (1992-08-11)August 11, 1992 G/F 12 Douglas, William 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 26 – (1998-11-21)November 21, 1998 G/F 17 Josiah, Jahvari 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 30 – (1994-07-30)July 30, 1994 21 Colon Mojica, Benjamin F 22 Andújar, Emmanuel 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 33 – (1992-01-27)January 27, 1992 F 24 Pearson, Ryan 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 32 – (1993-02-20)February 20, 1993 PG 25 Boyd, Brandon 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 28 – (1997-01-03)January 3, 1997 F/C 28 Romero, Ismael 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 33 – (1991-06-23)June 23, 1991 F 45 Clavell, Gilberto 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 35 – (1989-08-10)August 10, 1989	Head coach J. J. Barea Assistant coach(es) Roy Casanova Alvin Cruz Alfredo Vélez Legend (C) Team captain (DC) Dual citizenship (I) Import player Injured Roster Updated: March 19, 2025

Notable players

• Mario "Quijote" Morales (born 1957) (1977–1998)
• Federico López Camacho (born 1962) (1981–1997)
• José Sosa (born 1959) (1977–1986)
• Renaldo Balkman (born 1984) (2020–2024)
• DeMarcus Cousins (born 1990) (2023)