By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Danilo Gallinari has finally lifted the first team trophy of his long career — at the age of 37. The Italian forward guided Vaqueros de Bayamón to the Puerto Rican league title, defeating Leones de Ponce 82-68 in the decisive game to win the finals 4-1.
In the crucial Game 5, Gallinari delivered 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line to secure the championship and earn Finals MVP honors. The victory marks Bayamón’s 17th national title.
Gallinari’s achievement is striking given his impressive career résumé. A EuroLeague Rising Star and Italian League MVP in 2008, he went on to play 16 NBA seasons with the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks — but never captured a championship until now.
In Bayamón, the celebrations were electric, with players, fans, and local legend Carlos Arroyo joining in. For Gallinari, it’s a fresh chapter — and a long-awaited taste of team success.
The new champion and Finals MVP of Puerto Rico will now join the Italian national team’s training camp in the coming days to prepare for EuroBasket 2025.