OCTOBER 21, 2020 METSBASKETBALL
Two weeks out from their season restart, the Guaynabo Mets of Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) are announcing the additions of import player Terrence Jones, as well as native players Lonnie Rivera, Kylan Guerra, and Felix Rivera.
Jones is a 6-foot-9 forward selected 18th overall in the 2012 NBA draft. He has played eight NBA seasons for the Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks. Jones signed with the TNT KaTropa of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 2019 and was named the league’s best import of the Commissioner’s Cup tournament, averaging more than 30 points per game.
“I am extremely excited about the addition of Terrence Jones to our team,” said Head Coach Christopher Thomas. “Anytime you can add a player who averaged double figures in the NBA and played in so many meaningful playoff games, it is a big deal. What I am most excited about though is Terrence’s versatility and leadership abilities. He is going to give us great energy on both sides of the court and allow us to play a fast and free offensive style.”
The Mets selected Lonnie Rivera and Kylan Guerra in the 2020 BSN draft. Both players will be making their BSN debuts for Guaynabo in the tournament. Rivera, a 6-foot-7 forward, was the Mets’ first round pick out of Le Moyne College in New York. “Lonnie Rivera brings us tremendous size and scoring ability at the wing position,” said Coach Thomas. “I love his enthusiasm for the game and his drive to get better. He has a really bright future in front of him and I’m happy his rookie season is here in Guaynabo.”
Guerra was picked by the Mets in the third round out of Thomas Jefferson University, where he was named a Division II All-American. Coach Thomas described the point guard as “toughness personified,” with excellent determination and leadership. “We were extremely fortunate to be able to draft such a great player, and I am looking forward to developing his talents and allowing him to grow into the player he wants to become,” said Thomas.
Felix Rivera previously played for the BSN’s Indios de Mayaguez and Vaqueros de Bayamon. The 6-foot-7 forward competed for Puerto Rico in the U17 World Cup and the U18 America Championship before attending Northern Arizona University. “Felix Rivera is another gifted player that I am very excited about,” said Thomas. “He has all the tools necessary to blossom into a player who can help us win on a consistent basis. His natural size and athleticism will translate well into the modern era of positionless basketball.”
Guaynabo’s roster now consists of Terrence Jones, Jonathan Han, Miguel Ali Berdiel, Weyinmi Rose, Kylan Guerra, Lonnie Rivera, Carlos Emory, Tyquan Rolón, Felix Rivera, and Wilmer Lugo. The franchise will look to compete for its fourth championship in the BSN’s upcoming “bubble” tournament.
“I’m grateful to the BSN for the work it did to put this tournament together,” said Mets co-owner Marc Grossman. “And speaking as a fan of the game, it’s exciting to have live sports back in Puerto Rico. This has been a challenging season, but we’re ready to end it on a strong note for Mets nation.”
Grossman also extended his congratulations to Mets brand ambassador and basketball legend Charles Oakley for his recent appearance on Dancing With the Stars.Following a nearly seven-month layoff due to COVID-19, the 2020 BSN season is set to resume November 10 at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort in Río Grande. The Mets’ first game is scheduled for November 11 against Leones de Ponce at 6 pm local time. All games will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/metsbasketball/