In 2009, after nearly 33 uninterrupted years of play, the Criollos de Caguas of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) played their last game in the professional league, just three years after winning their only title.
With the relocation of the Grises de Humacao to Caguas in late 2023, a renovated coliseum and a prepared roster, the Criollos won the Baloncesto Superior Nacional championship (BSN) in 2024, and are shaping up as one of the heavier forces heading into the new 2025 season.
Below, we explain how the Criollos de Caguas fared in 2024, and recommend what else you can do after enjoying one of their games.
🏆 How many championships have the Criollos de Caguas won?
The 2006 championship, the franchise's defining moment, came as a surprise to Caguas fans who had been frustrated by the team's hiatus in 2005 due to financial problems.
Before 2006, the Criollos had never made it to the finals series; their best attempt, in 1998, was cut short in the semifinals against the Leones de Ponce.
Their victory, led by head coach Leonel Arill and players such as Ángel "Hommy" de Jesús, Bobby Brannen and Chris Burgess, made the Criollos the first team to celebrate a championship at the newly opened Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
🏀 Find your team
🥃🍽️ Bars and restaurants nearby after the game
The city is home to a large number of dining options, among them food trucks such as Cosechas, restaurants like Mr. Sándwich Bistro and bars like Pasapalos, among many others.
If a game falls on a Monday, you can use our list of restaurants open on Mondays in Caguas.
🔥 Things to do before and after the game
Not far from the Coliseo is the Jardín Botánico y Cultural de Caguas, where you can enjoy tours for the whole family. You can visit our Guía de Caguas for more details.
The historic downtown in Caguas has several options for sharing dishes with friends, as well as two public plazas to walk around.
For those who enjoy an adrenaline rush, the Sector Sixty6 gaming center awaits at the Shops at Caguas mall (formerly Las Catalinas Mall) with its large arcade, 14 bowling lanes and the longest indoor karting circuit on the Island.
📍 Where do they play and how can you get to Caguas?
Ahead of the Criollos' return in 2024, an investment of around $8 million also arrived for the renovation of the Coliseo Roger Mendoza, whose now-modern facilities accommodate more than 3,000 fans.
The venue sits alongside Avenida Cañaboncito, within the Complejo Deportivo de Caguas, and includes ample parking.
Who makes up the team?
The league's home is once again at the renovated Coliseo Roger Mendoza, and alongside head coach Wilhelmus Caanen, they are looking to apply the pressure needed for a back to back. The current leaders in average points per game are Louis King (20.2), Travis Trice (19.6) and Akil Mitchell (12.0).
How did the Criollos de Caguas do in the 2024 season?
They finished as league champions, defeating the Osos de Manatí in an exciting finals series that went to seven games.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
