DECEMBER 2, 2020 METSBASKETBALL
The Guaynabo Mets edged out the Indios de Mayagüez 102 – 101 on Wednesday, led by David Stockton (40 points and 4 assists), Terrence Jones, (18 points and 10 rebounds), and Miguel Ali Berdiel (15 points). With the victory, the Mets secured the seventh spot in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) playoffs.
Before the team looks ahead to the postseason, Mets co-owner Marc Grossman, part of an ownership group that brought back the franchise after it was dissolved in 2015, took a moment to reflect on a tumultuous year.
“2020 has definitely had its ups and downs. Back in March we weren’t sure there was going to be a season at all. But now, having secured a playoff spot after all the adversity, I’m extremely proud of our team and grateful to everyone who helped us reach this point. We are excited for the playoffs and the opportunity to continue competing for a championship.”
The current Mets team looks a lot different than the one that started the season on March 1 playing in front of a packed house at Mario Morales Coliseum. Grossman thanked import players Isaiah Austin, a projected first round pick in the 2014 draft, Rakeem Christmas, the 36th pick in the 2015 draft and the son-in-law of Michael Jordan, and Daniel Hamilton, a collegiate standout at the University of Connecticut and second round pick in 2016. He also thanked Coach Carlos Calcaño and General Manager Alfredo Rivera for their early contributions to the team.
Grossman praised the work of Coach Chris Thomas, who has helped the Mets quickly build chemistry in the pandemic-shortened season. The team is hitting its stride when it counts due to Thomas’ leadership and the one-two punch of point guard David Stockton, the son of Hall of Famer John Stockton, and forward Terrence Jones, a former NBA first round pick. Import Angel Nunez has been a solid contributor as well. Playing in the bubble at the Wyndham Resort in Río Grande, the team has built an identity around solid ball movement, strong team defense, and an explosive offense. Consistency will be key moving forward for a Mets squad that has looked dominant at times.
Grossman said that while marquee imports Stockton and Jones receive much of the attention, the native players are the backbone of the team. “Throughout all the changes we’ve experienced this season, Jonathan Han, Miguel Ali Berdiel, Weyinmi Rose, Kylan Guerra, Lonnie Rivera, Tyquan Rolón, Felix Rivera, and Wilmer Lugo—without those guys we wouldn’t be here,” said Grossman. “Their leadership on and off the court is a major reason why we’ve been able to come together as a team in such a short time.”
Finally, Grossman recognized the contributions of former NBA stars Charles Oakley and Metta World Peace, along with ex-NBA coach Larry Brown and team advisor Joel Katz, for provided guidance and support in building the team.
“It’s been almost a year to the day since we announced the return of Mets basketball to Guaynabo,” said Grossman. “We’ve been averaging over 35,000 views per game on our livestream, but we can’t wait to leave the bubble and play in front of our fans again. As much as anyone within our organization, the fans deserve credit for sticking by us. Without the fans, there would be no Mets and no BSN.”