Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta is poised to become a basketball hub with the introduction of a professional team, the Iguanas Club, within the Pacific Basketball League (LBP). The team’s debut is slated for the September tournament.
The ambitious project was unveiled at a press conference by Club Iguanas’ president, José Miguel Romero, and sports director, Alejandro “Jano” Ramírez. Romero emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering social transformation and a sense of community through sports and cultural initiatives. He underscored basketball’s popularity in schools, highlighting the Iguanas’ role in promoting professional sports and fostering local talent.
The team will play at the municipal auditorium, with support from local authorities. Professor Ramírez, boasting extensive experience in the sport, outlined plans for a strong foundation and a goal of making history in Puerto Vallarta. The LBP season kicks off September 6th and concludes December 17th, with Iguanas Vallarta playing 20 matches, 10 of them home games.
The team’s roster will feature two foreign players, three experienced Mexican players, and ten talented local athletes. The selection process for local players aged 16 and older will take place on July 29-30 and August 5-6. Coach Jeff Moore, a former professional, will oversee the selection process. Additionally, a youth development program is planned to serve as a feeder system for the professional team.
Sports director Jano Ramírez, with 56 years in the sport and a history of leading the Panteras de Aguascalientes to an LNBP championship, stressed the importance of discipline and community involvement. “We will work hard and with great enthusiasm for this sport and the Vallarta community,” he said.
Local authorities have pledged their support. Comude Vallarta’s director, Álvaro Botello, views the project as a significant opportunity, while incoming mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía assured full support and a focus on promoting sports and cultural activities.