Juan Cardona Takes the Reins in Carolina
Juan Cardona is heading to the Gigantes de Carolina-Canóvanas.
The veteran coach has signed on to lead the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) franchise. The decision brings him to a new sideline largely to keep his children close to school, according to an interview with Primera Hora.
It marks the latest chapter for Cardona in a turbulent recent stretch. He previously coached the Capitanes de Arecibo, steering them to the league’s best regular-season record and earning Dirigente del Año honors in 2024. That success was followed by a turbulent stint that included a brief departure and return to Arecibo, alongside a short tenure with the Piratas de Quebradillas.
The Short Commute That Sealed Free Agency
Cardona hit free agency after receiving authorization from the Capitanes de Arecibo to explore the market, drawing multiple offers along the way, as reported by Primera Hora.
He ultimately selected the Gigantes for a very specific reason: geography. The team plays its home games at the Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual. The arena sits just 10 minutes away from Jireh Kingdom Christian Academy.
Four of Cardona’s six children attend the school. Pastor Héctor Delgado serves as property owner there. Cardona pointed to his relationship with Delgado and the tight proximity to his children’s school as the factors that made his choice straightforward.
Replacing Carlos González on the Sideline
Cardona steps in to replace former National Team coach Carlos González. González resigned from his position under Gigantes owner Héctor Horta, according to Primera Hora.
Before putting pen to paper, Cardona sat down with core native players Tremont Waters and George Conditt IV. The meetings were designed to align everyone on team goals and culture.
Navigating Early Roster Absences Abroad
Neither Waters nor Conditt will be available when the upcoming BSN season begins.
Waters signed with LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne in the French LNB. Meanwhile, Conditt reached an agreement with Leyma Coruña to return to Spain’s Liga ACB.
Assembling the New Coaching Staff
Even without Waters and Conditt on the floor initially, Cardona is wasting no time building out his infrastructure.
His coaching staff will feature assistants Armando “Mandy” Cancel, Filiberto Rivera, and Zabdiel Pérez. The organization is banking on the new leadership group to push past recent postseason exits.