Based in Ponce since 1946 and currently led by well-regarded San Germán-born point guard Carlos Rivera, the Leones de Ponce will try to outrun the competition and claim their first national championship since 2015.
Did you know…In 1952, under the direction of visionary American coach Tex Winter and led on the court by legendary Ciales-born point guard Juan "Pachín" Vicéns, the Leones de Ponce won their first championship by defeating the Cangrejeros de Santurce.
The franchise, historically one of the most dominant in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), finished the 2023 season with a record of 17 wins and 19 losses, missing the playoffs.
Below, you will soon be able to follow how the Leones de Ponce are doing in the 2025 season, along with ways to enjoy yourself before or after attending their games.
How many championships have the Leones de Ponce won?
With 14 championships since their founding, including a run of seven titles between 1952 and 1966, the Leones de Ponce rank as the third most successful team in the BSN.
Among the most celebrated Ponce titles is the 1990 championship, won under coach Miguel Mercado, which ended a 24-year drought thanks to stars such as Javier Antonio "Toñito" Colón and José "Papote" Agosto.
Also remembered is the 2004 championship victory, dedicated to celebrated mayor Rafael "Churumba" Cordero, who died before the date.
Their last championship squad, coached by veteran Nelson Colón (now head coach of the Vaqueros de Bayamón), claimed back-to-back titles against the Capitanes de Arecibo (2014-2015).
Bars and restaurants close to the arena after the game
Hungry after the game? Ponce has plenty of options for the whole family, including the artisanal dishes at Mesa – Cocina & Vinatería. If you don't mind something indulgent, a spot like Birriola is worth a visit for its BBQ chicken sliders.
If you'd rather take in a sea view while enjoying fresh seafood, stop by Bahías Restaurant, on the Ponce beach.
Things to do before and after the game
Among Ponce's historic landmarks are the Acueducto Alfonso XII and the Japanese Garden that forms part of the Complejo del Museo Castillo Serrallés.
Before the game, head to Plaza de las Delicias and order a coffee at Gallo Espresso Café Bar.
Explore more articles on things to do and eat in Ponce
Where do they play, and how do you get to Ponce?
The Auditorio Juan Pachín Vicéns has been home to the Leones de Ponce since 1972, with a current capacity of around 11,000 fans. To get there, take Avenida Eduardo Ruberte at its intersection with the Ponce Bypass (PR-2).
The arena, which opened during the 1993 Central American and Caribbean Games, shares ample parking with the Estadio Francisco "Paquito" Montaner.
Who is on the team?
One of the most dominant franchises in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) has its sights set on the 2025 title, with Carlos Rivera returning as head coach for a second consecutive year.
To date, point guard Jezreel de Jesús has stood out as one of the Leones' most valuable players, averaging 15.8 points per game. He is joined by point guards Jared Ruiz (12.5) and forward Aleem Ford (12.3).
How did the Leones de Ponce do in the 2024 season?
The Leones de Ponce finished with a record of 13 wins and 17 losses, placing 10th in the league
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
