Sam Waardenburg, once a promising forward for the Miami Hurricanes who never fully realized his potential in Coral Gables, is now turning heads overseas with a breakout campaign in Puerto Rico’s top professional basketball league, the BSN.
The 6’10 New Zealand native has been a revelation for the Indios de Mayagüez, showcasing the versatile skill set that made Miami fans hopeful during his college days. Waardenburg recently finished third in the BSN MVP voting, just behind former NBA lottery picks Emmanuel Mudiay and Chris Duarte, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
But it was Game 4 of the BSN semifinals that truly announced his arrival. With his team facing elimination down 3-1 in the series, Waardenburg erupted for 28 points and six rebounds, leading Mayagüez to a crucial victory and keeping their championship hopes alive.
Waardenburg moves with the grace of a guard, often running the floor like a gazelle. He’s become a terror in transition, putting pressure on defenses with his mobility and instincts. Perhaps the most impressive evolution in his game has been his perimeter shooting. Waardenburg shot an elite 38% from three this season, transforming into a legitimate stretch big.
With Game 6 looming tomorrow, the pressure is mounting, but so is Waardenburg’s stock. Should he continue to lead the Indios back from the brink, NBA front offices will be hard-pressed to ignore him any longer. His size, shooting, and defensive versatility make him a compelling prospect for today’s league.
For Miami Hurricanes fans, it’s the perfect time to tune in and support a former Cane chasing a title, and possibly an NBA contract. BSN playoff games are streaming for free on the BSN YouTube channel, offering a front-row seat to Sam Waardenburg’s redemption tour.