Arecibo Capitanes Prepare for Redemption Season with New Roster and Jersey Retirements

Arecibo. The flagship sailed through murky waters typical of the northern coast due to the uncertainty caused last year by the abrupt departure of the previous administration and which required a last-minute rescue of businessman José Manuel Baeza.

The effects were so harsh that it even affected the team’s performance last year. However, the Arecibean management is eager to show that all the bad things are in the past. And to celebrate, he even announced that he will retire the number of two former stars, Larry Ayuso and Ángel ‘Buster’ Figueroa, who were important figures in the rebirth in the middle of the beginning of the century.

To achieve this, the team arrives with a ‘new team’ after the organization dismantled part of its roster, which included changing Walter Hodge and not renewing David Huertas. Among the new faces, David Stockton, Alfonso Plummer and Derek Reese, among others, stand out. Brandon Boyd, Joshua Colón, Denis Clemente, Víctor Liz, Chris Gastón, Jonathan Rodríguez, Juan Piñeiro, Justin Reyes, Raymond Cintrón, Willie Rodríguez, Brian Vázquez, and Jorge Torres will also be in uniform.

Center Jahlil Okafor was announced as a backup, but will report at a future date, so the position will be filled by Jonah Bolden in the meantime.

“The Captains are not under renovation, only some arrangements were made with the purpose of being champions again. Planning is underway for the future and for now to bring the ship to safe port,” said Gabriel Miranda, operations manager of the franchise.

The Capitanes have qualified for the postseason for 20 consecutive years and the goal is to extend the streak.

“Last year was a year of many losses and it was not the fault of the players or the management. I understand that Arecibo is a franchise where the success it has had is because it has been consistent with the coaches. Grateful to all the people who sponsored me to be here and I assure you that they will not regret it,” said Juan Cardona, team leader in an aside.

The regular phase of the 2024 season of the National Superior Basketball (BSN) will consist of 34 games. Los Capitanes will open on April 6 with the visit of the Pirates of Quebradillas.

“I’m here because expectations are always high. It wouldn’t be there if it weren’t the Captains. That’s why I accepted the challenge. I’m not going to run with the pressure, I’m going to run for the pressure and we’re ready. Seven to eight players came out and they are new. I chose by consensus within what I want to happen. The management has been class A in getting the parts according to what I require,” Cardona concluded.

Management announced that on April 13 a ceremony will be held to retire the jersey of Larry Ayuso, who played for the Capitanes for five seasons and won three championships, including the one in 2005, the first for the franchise since 1959. He was champion in Arecibo in 2005, 2010 and 2011.

While Figueroa was a prominent figure with the team from 2001 to 2009. The date of the ceremony has not yet been set. He won two rings with the team in 2005 and 2008.

2024-03-26 20:43:02
#Captains #turn #Buster #Figueroa #Larry #Ayuso #affirm #waters #returned #level