Rigoberto Mendoza returns to Santeros de Aguada as 2027 reinforcement
The Dominican guard, a former BSN champion and MVP with the team, signed to rejoin the subchampions after playing for them in 2026.
The short version
- El Vocero reported that Rigoberto Mendoza signed as the first reinforcement for the Santeros de Aguada in the 2027 BSN season
- Mendoza previously played for Aguada in 2026 averaging 17.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 33 games as the team reached the finals
- He was named MVP of the 2019 finals when Aguada won its first championship against Leones de Ponce
- BasketNews.com lists his statistics in games against the Puerto Rico national team
Return to Aguada
Rigoberto Mendoza will be the first reinforcement for the Santeros de Aguada for the 2027 season of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN), El Vocero reported. The 34-year-old guard, nicknamed "El Vikingo", signed a contract marking his return to the franchise that finished as runner-up in 2026.
Mendoza, who stands 6 feet 3 inches and is from San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, first joined Aguada in 2015. In 2019 he was named Most Valuable Player of the Final Series when the Santeros defeated the Leones de Ponce in six games to win their first BSN title. His highest scoring game in the league came in the 2016 postseason with 50 points against the Vaqueros de Bayamón.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Restaurants & bars in Aguada
Recent performance and international career
After five years away from the BSN, Mendoza returned to Aguada as a reinforcement in 2026. He averaged 17.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists over 33 games that season, helping the team reach the Final Series, which they lost in seven games to Bayamón, according to El Vocero.
Outside Puerto Rico, Mendoza has played professionally in Mexico, Spain, Israel, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Angola. In Mexico he was named MVP of the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional in 2019. He has represented the Dominican Republic national team, including at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and winning gold at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games. BasketNews.com tracks his statistics versus Puerto Rico.
Where the sources differ
The sources agree on Mendoza's return to the Santeros de Aguada for the 2027 BSN season and his prior performance with the team in 2026. El Vocero provides extensive biographical details, career highlights in the BSN including the 2019 championship and MVP award, his 50-point game, and his international experience. BasketNews.com focuses narrowly on his statistical record specifically in matchups against the Puerto Rico national team and does not address the BSN contract.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the financial terms of Mendoza's contract with Aguada, the exact date the signing was completed, whether additional reinforcements will be announced, or any details on his expected role or minutes for the 2027 campaign. No comment from team officials or Mendoza himself is included.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Rigoberto Mendoza regresa a los Santeros como refuerzo para el 2027
- Reporting Rigoberto Mendoza vs Puerto Rico: stats, game log
How we checked this
El Vocero produced the primary report on the signing and Mendoza's history with Aguada. BasketNews.com supplied supporting statistical context on his international matchups. No other sources were used.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.