 In 2009, Mauricio was recruited to launch both the Bomberos de Mexicali and Zonkeys de Tijuana basketball franchises of the CIBACOPA circuit.The first campaign in 2010 brought positive results to the teams' first season, with winning streaks and play-off bids by both of the franchises.The Easter Day earthquake of 2010 that hit Baja California inevitably affected team development, as both franchises were forced to play additional away games, and in the process, sacrifice crucial home games.