The Guaynabo Mets have signed big man Rakeem Christmas, a former second round draft pick with professional experience in the NBA, NBA G-League, Turkey, China, and Philippines.

Christmas played four seasons at Syracuse University and started every game as a sophomore, junior, and senior. For his college career, he averaged 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game and had career single-game highs of 35 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks. The senior center earned All-ACC first team and All-ACC defensive team honors, was nominated for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award, and was one of fourteen finalists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy.

In the 2015 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves made Christmas the 36th overall pick before trading his rights to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He joined the Cavs for their 2015 Summer League and then was acquired by the Indiana Pacers, where he appeared in 30 games. Christmas has also played for the Turkish club Galatasaray, the New Zealand Breakers, the Magnolia Hotshots, the Henan Roaring Elephants, the OGM Ormanspor, and the Capitanes de Arecibo in the FIBA Americas League.

“Rakeem has a tremendous physical skillset,” said Mets co-owner Marc Grossman. “He plays well in the paint, and his mid-range game and ability to run the floor can stretch the defense. Rakeem is a hard worker on and off the court. He earned his degree in just three years at Syracuse and has shown steady improvement as a player. I’m sure he will be a solid asset to our team.”

Christmas is the expansion Mets’ third and final signed import player for the 2020 season, joining Isaiah Austin and Daniel Hamilton. After 2020, the Mets they can sign up to two imports, or whatever limit the league imposes for BSN teams. The Mets now have a loaded roster that includes a mix of NBA-level talent and BSN veterans. They will compete for the franchise’s fourth championship under Coach Carlos Calcaño.

The BSN regular season begins March 1. For season ticket sales and corporate sponsorship opportunities, call (844) 275-0995 or visit www.metsbasketball.com.