SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 METSBASKETBALL
Things haven’t exactly gone according to plan for the Guaynabo Mets this season. That may prove to be fine in the end.
Three of the Mets’ marquee offseason signings—coach Christopher Thomas, forward Angel Nunez, and big man Diamond Stone—are no longer with the team, while free agent acquisition Renaldo Balkman has battled injuries, logging just 110 minutes through 22 games.
But the Mets are focused on who they do have. Over the last month the team has handed the reins to coaching legend Brad Greenberg, signed Santurce castoff Tony Bishop, and brought in defensive stopper Amida Brimah. Greenberg won his first two games, including a victory against previously undefeated Bayamon. Bishop has played at an All-Star level, posting averages of 21.8 points and 10 rebounds over 8 games. And Brimah could give the Mets a much-needed defensive edge.
Good things can happen, like our win at Bayamon, when we play close to our individual and team capacity. Doing that consistently is the challenge.
Coach Greenberg
Despite their 10-12 record at the break, the Mets lead the league in points scored per game and three pointers made. They’re fourth in rebounds, third in assists, and sixth in blocks. They have one of the league’s top players in David Stockton (second in points scored and first in assists), one of the game’s top coaches in Greenberg, and the supporting talent to make another deep playoff run.
Metsbasketball.com caught up with Coach Greenberg about his long standing desire to coach in the BSN, his thoughts on the team, and what it will take to return the Mets to the top of the Puerto Rican basketball world.
MB: You mentioned when you were hired that you’ve always had an urge to coach in the BSN. What attracted you to the league?
CG: The BSN has a strong history of fierce competition, talented players, and coaches who have won championships in pretty much every college and professional league. My mentor Jim Lynam coached in the league, as did a number of other coaches who had an influence on me. P.J. Carlesimo, Jack McKinney, Rollie Massimino, Phil Jackson. And many Puerto Rican coaches have continued to help the league maintain a respected place in pro basketball. It is a league that has always fascinated me.
MB: Based on your extensive coaching experience, how does the BSN compare to other professional basketball leagues?
It’s an extremely competitive league with high tempo action and a level of physicality uniquely uncommon in international ball. It reminds me some of the Venezuelan pro league I coached in years ago. Every game is a test of a team’s mental focus and toughness.
MB: What are the specific challenges of coming in as head coach midway through the season?
CG: I am a coach who likes to practice and build a team over time, so the challenge of doing that with limited practices is a major challenge for me. Luckily, we have a few days now to work on some things before we start a very hectic game schedule.
MB: How do you view the roster in terms of strengths and the style of play that best utilizes those strengths?
The roster is a mix of some experienced veteran players and some younger, less experienced guys trying to carve out a place on our team and in the league. I like the mix. Change is always a factor in the league and managing a roster where you might lose a guy like what has evolved with Angel Nunez presents some challenges. We have some talent but talent alone isn’t enough. Playing to one’s individual capacity and playing as a connected unit take discipline and unselfishness. Good things can happen, like our win at Bayamon, when we play close to our individual and team capacity. Doing that consistently is the challenge.
MB: Expectations are high for a Mets team that came within a game of reaching the finals last season. What is the path for this team to take the next step forward?
CG: Right now our focus is on improving the quality of our play at both ends of the floor. The team has proven it has scoring power. But there is a lot of room for improvement at the offensive end of the floor, especially in the crucial moments of a game. We must make a quantum leap of improvement at the defensive end for us to have any hope of being a playoff team and one that can advance. We just added “rim protector” Amida Brimah and we are looking forward to seeing if he can be a difference maker on defense.The Mets have ten games left in the regular season, which resumes on September 14th at home versus Bayamon. For tickets, visit Metsbasketball.com/tickets. Follow the Mets on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest team news and updates.