10 young players who left their mark in AmeriCup Qualifiers Window 1

MIAMI (United States) – The first window of the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers had several young players who took steps forward and made key contributions for their national teams.

Beyond their teams’ results, what was important was their rise in stature. Some of them are already considered stalwarts, while others are starting to blaze their paths. Anytime a prospect generates excitement, that means the future is in good hands.

These are the 10 players that shined during Window 1:

 

 

 

Jean Montero - DOM 

The combo guard, who’s been excelling every week in Spain’s ACB with Andorra, was instrumental in Dominican Republic’s win over Mexico in the first game. The 20-year-old ended up only playing in that game, scoring 19 points (16 in the second half) with 7 assists and 2 steals.

 

Gael Bonilla - MEX 

In both games against Dominican Republic, the 21-year-old forward averaged 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. In the second game, in which his team got the victory, the current Cáceres (Spain) player shined with 15 points and 9 boards.

Marcio Santos - BRA 

The center out of SESI Franca – current BCL Americas and Intercontinental Cup champions – has been gaining experience at the club level and is definitely ready to hold a spot among Brazil’s loaded big man rotation. The 21-year-old, in both comfortable wins over Paraguay, averaged 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and a block in just 14.4 minutes per game.

Juan Fernández - ARG 

Fernández, who has played in 3 World Cups at the U17 and U19 (twice) levels, is one of the most exciting prospects out of Argentina. He’s currently playing for Río Breogan in Spain. In the split series against Chile, the 21-year-old came off the bench and averaged 6.0 points and 1.5 blocks in 15.7 minutes per game.

Daniel Ferreira - BRA 

He stole the spotlight in the second game between Brazil and Paraguay thanks to his great efficiency. The 21-year-old shot 4/4 from the field, including 3/3 from long distance, and finished with 13 points in just 16 minutes.

 

Marcos Chacón - CUB 

He had an enormous impact in Cuba’s win over United States with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. The 20-year-old, currently playing for Gimnasia y Esgrima in Argentina’s LNB, has already become a fixture with his national team.

Agustín Ubal - URU 

Ubal has been getting minutes for a few years with the senior team. He’s the country’s top prospect and has been learning from stars like Bruno Fitipaldo and Jayson Granger. In this occasion against Panama, the 20-year-old point guard averaged 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

Joan Gutiérrez - CUB 

The 20-year-old lefty perimeter player provided a spark for Cuba in what was his second showing for the senior team (after making his debut at the Pre-Qualifying Olympic Tournament in Argentina last year). Against United States, he averaged 7.0 points (40 percent from downtown) and 4.0 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game.

Paulo Barbosa - BRA 

Brazil was the country that gave the most opportunities to their young players, especially in the second game against Paraguay where Bruno Caboclo and Yago Santos were absent. Barbosa made the most of his chance on the road, averaging 7.0. points and 4.0 rebounds. The 20-year-old shooting guard has been performing well for SESI Franca in BCL Americas.

 

Andy Hodgson - NCA 

He returned to the Nicaraguan national team after 4 years. Back then, he made his debut at 17, and now at 21-year-old he showed why he needs to be a factor. In the first game against Canada, the big man contributed 8 points, including a pair of three-pointers, and 4 rebounds.

 

 

FIBA