Over the weekend, former Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea helped his Puerto Rican team quality for spots in the FIBA AmeriCup and Pan American Games.
Barea, a Preston Hollow neighbor who now plays for the Estudiantes in Spain, scored 19 points in the second half of Puerto Rico’s game Saturday against the Bahamas to propel his team to the qualifiers. He racked up seven rebounds, eight assists and 26 total points in the game, according to Fansided.
The Mavericks released Barea in 2020, 14 years after he joined the franchise as an undrafted rookie in 2006.
“It still hasn’t hit me, but I woke up today super happy,” Barea told ESPN at the time. “It’s been an amazing time here in Dallas. I wouldn’t change anything.”
During his time with the Dallas team, Barea averaged 8.9 points and 3.9 assists per game.
Mavericks owner and Preston Hollow neighbor Mark Cuban has said he sees a future for Barea with the franchise after he ends his career as a player. Barea agreed.
“My goal is to coach at the highest level, and I know I will be great, especially here in Dallas. I definitely want to play this year, take a break after with the family and enjoy my kids, but I want to stay around the game,” Barea told ESPN.
