Bayamón, Puerto Rico – With less than a month remaining before the start of the 2026 Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) season, the defending champion Vaqueros de Bayamón are still working to finalize their roster of import players. Carlos Arroyo, co-owner of the Vaqueros, acknowledged on Wednesday that securing reinforcements has proven more tricky than anticipated, a situation impacting preparations for the March 21st season opener.
The Vaqueros are currently the only BSN organization that has not announced its trio of international players. This year’s challenges, according to Arroyo, stem in part from the unexpected retirement of Danilo Gallinari in December. “Honestly, this year I think (Danilo) Gallinari complicated the entire structure with his retirement. I always counted on him… For the long-term structure of the team, I wanted to have him in Bayamón for at least two more years,” Arroyo stated during a press conference held during practice with the Puerto Rican National Basketball Team at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente.
Gallinari’s departure leaves a significant void. Alongside Dominican Chris Duarte and American JaVale McGee, the Italian forward formed a successful core that led Bayamón to their 17th championship title last season. Even as Duarte has since signed a two-year contract with Unicaja Málaga in Spain’s Liga ACB, with a player option for a third year, McGee appears to be a more likely candidate to return to the Vaqueros, though his situation is evolving.
McGee’s Potential Return and Duarte’s Novel Chapter
Arroyo indicated that the team is actively pursuing McGee, noting that his strong performance in Australia opened doors to a recent agreement with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). “JaVale, we’re counting on him. We are still discussing possibilities, but he played very well in Australia and that opened the door for him to sign now in the Chinese League. He is heading in that direction, but he definitely wants to return,” Arroyo explained.
The importance of having import players integrated early in the season, allowing them to adapt to the league, culture, and team dynamics, was highlighted by Arroyo. He believes this early integration was key to Bayamón’s championship success. “This year is a little complicated and not just for us. I think the entire league has understood that, but also that the player rankings have made things a little more difficult for us, but we are there,” he commented.
Browne’s Absence from National Team and Contract Negotiations
Another matter addressed by Arroyo concerned the absence of Bayamón point guard Gary Browne from the Puerto Rican National Team, which is currently preparing for the second qualifying window for the FIBA World Cup. Browne is reportedly unavailable due to contractual negotiations with the Vaqueros. Georgie Pacheco has taken his place on the national team roster.
Arroyo explained the situation, stating, “Gary’s situation is understood. I think he sacrificed a lot for this team (of Puerto Rico) after the (2025) season he had. Being there for the AmeriCup and being here in the past window, we have to respect the sacrifice he made, that he could have gotten injured, and put his contract extension with us (Bayamón) at risk, but it is a personal decision of his and we have to respect it.” He added, “It’s his decision not to be here and me being part of the Bayamón team, it puts me in an uncomfortable position, but we have to respect it too.”
The Vaqueros acquired Browne in June 2024 in a trade with the Mets de Guaynabo, sending Ysmael Romero and Jovari Josiah in return. Browne missed his first campaign with Bayamón while recovering from a left knee injury sustained while playing for the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Australia, an injury that was aggravated upon joining the Mets. Last year, hamstring issues limited him to 17 regular-season games, where he averaged 9.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Yet, he played in all 16 of Bayamón’s playoff games, proving to be a crucial component of their championship run. “He was fundamental for us to achieve what we achieved. Thank God he stayed healthy during that time at the complete of the season and helped us a lot. I think he was a key piece for us,” Arroyo confirmed.
Despite Browne’s absence from the national team, Arroyo was firm in his commitment to the veteran guard, stating, “We are counting on Gary.”
As the BSN season approaches, the Vaqueros are navigating a complex landscape of player availability and contract negotiations. The team’s ability to secure key reinforcements will undoubtedly play a significant role in their quest to defend their championship title. The coming weeks will be critical as Arroyo and the Vaqueros finalize their roster and prepare for the challenges ahead.
What are your thoughts on the Vaqueros’ roster situation? Share your predictions for the upcoming BSN season in the comments below!
