Jassel Pérez, a 24-year-old Dominican guard, has been a key addition to the Vaqueros de Bayamón basketball team, bringing much-needed offense to the team. Pérez scored 16 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in 28 minutes, including a crucial three-pointer with 1:03 left to play, to help the Vaqueros come from behind and defeat the Criollos de Caguas 78-74 in the first game of the Conference A final.
Pérez has averaged 19.4 points in the series and 21.4 points in his first nine games with the Vaqueros. Coach Christian Dalmau praised Pérez, saying he has a lot of talent, is athletic, and can score and defend. Team captain Javier Mojica, 41, also praised Pérez, saying his energy is contagious and motivates the team.
Pérez previously played in the Spanish league ACB with Granada and in the G-League with the Capitanes. The Vaqueros, who finished first in the league in defense, were looking for an offensive boost after losing key players Danilo Gallinari and Chris Duarte.