What happened?
The Vaqueros de Bayamón announced on Monday the signing of former NBA player Damian Jones as a new reinforcement for the final stretch of the 2026 Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) season. The 2.08 m center will join the squad coached by Christian Dalmau on Tuesday, when they host the Capitanes de Arecibo at the Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum.
Why does it matter for the Vaqueros?
Jones arrives with two championship rings from the Golden State Warriors and experience with seven NBA franchises, including the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. His size and presence in the paint are qualities that co‑owner Carlos Arroyo described as "an athletic level and size that provides an important presence in the paint".
| Position | Record |
|---|---|
| 2nd Conference A | 17‑10 |
With that record, the Vaqueros sit in second place in Conference A, just one game behind the leaders. Jones' addition follows the recent arrival of Dominican shooting guard Jassel Pérez, completing the roster ahead of the playoffs.
What is expected on the court?
Coach Christian Dalmau plans to use Jones as a dominant post player, facilitating pick‑and‑rolls and protecting the offensive rebound. In the NBA, Jones averaged 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 12 minutes; in the CBA with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, his numbers rose to 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds. That production suggests he can add blocks and second‑chance points in Bayamón's paint.
What comes next?
The first test will be the matchup against the Capitanes de Arecibo, a team that typically pressures the interior with a fast‑paced style. If Jones can dominate the low post, the Vaqueros could improve their paint FG% and open up space for shooters like Jassel Pérez. The regular season still has several games left, but the clear goal is to lock in a playoff spot and contend for the title.
The announcement was made at a press conference in the Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum, where Arroyo emphasized the club's ambition: "We understand he can significantly contribute to our needs at this stage." With a blend of NBA experience and local talent, the Vaqueros de Bayamón aim to solidify their standing before the postseason.