MIAMI (United States) – The second window of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, starting this Thursday, is crucial as all teams remain in contention. Some need desperate wins to stay alive, while others must avoid complications on their path to securing a spot in the continental tournament. Several players will need to step up to elevate their teams’ chances. Here are 10 players expected to make an impact this week:
Gael Bonilla - MEX
Foward Age: 21 years old Height: 202 cm / 6'8"
Bonilla will shoulder significant offensive responsibilities for Mexico, especially in the absence of experienced Gabriel Girón. Trained partly in Spain, Bonilla is a proven scorer who also contributes on the boards. During the February window, he was Mexico’s third-leading scorer with 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. In Mexico’s league with Diablos, he averages 8.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game.
Andrés Ibargüen - COL
Center Age: 28 years old Height: 200 cm / 6'7" Though Colombia has notable players like Jaime Echenique, Juan Tello, and Michaell Jackson, Ibargüen plays a key role with his energy and consistency under the boards, whether as a starter or off the bench. He’s been impressive with Boca Juniors in Argentina, averaging 8.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in 19 minutes per game this season.
Iverson Molinar - PAN
Guard Age: 24 years old Height: 183 cm / 6'0" Molinar returns to Panama’s senior team after debuting at the AmeriCup in 2017. Now a more mature player with experience in leagues like the G-League, he’s expected to take on a leadership role. Playing in Israel’s top league with Be’er Sheva, he’s averaging 19.2 points and 4.2 assists in five games.
Manuel Suárez - CHI
Center Age: 30 years old Height: 208 cm / 6'10" Suárez shone in the previous window, leading Chile in scoring (27.0 points) and ranking second in rebounds (10.5). With two home games coming up, he’s expected to be a key player again. He’s maintained strong performances in the South American League with Nacional of Uruguay (15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds) and in Chile’s local league (16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds).
Eloy Vargas - DOM
Center Age: 35 years old Height: 211 cm / 6'11" Vargas remains an essential player for the Dominican Republic. In the last window, he averaged 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. He also contributed during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece, with averages of 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. His ability to dominate the boards will be crucial for his team’s success.
Mfiondu Kabengele - CAN
Center Age: 27 years old Height: 206 cm / 6'9" After stints in the NBA and G-League, Kabengele has impressed in Europe over the past two years. This athletic big man excels in rebounding and finishing around the rim. Expected to debut for Canada’s senior team, Kabengele is averaging a double-double (12.8 points, 13.4 rebounds) in Italy’s Serie A with Venezia.
Ismael Romero - PUR
Center Age: 33 years old Height: 203 cm / 6'8" Since joining Puerto Rico’s national team in 2021, Romero has been a consistent contributor. He played a key role in Puerto Rico’s impressive World Cup campaign and their return to the Olympics in 2024. With George Conditt absent, Romero will need to take on even more responsibility, a challenge he’s capable of meeting.
Nicolás Brussino - ARG
Foward Age: 31 years old Height: 200 cm / 6'7" With several European-based players unavailable, Brussino will lead Argentina’s offense. He had his best scoring performance in February’s window, averaging 15 points and 5.5 rebounds. Currently playing for Spain’s Gran Canaria, he averages 10.4 points and 4 rebounds in domestic league action.
Bruno Caboclo - BRA
Power Foward Age: 29 years old Height: 206 cm / 6'9" Caboclo was instrumental in Brazil’s qualification for the Paris Olympics, averaging 17.8 points and 7 rebounds in the qualifying tournament. This week, he’ll aim to help Brazil secure their spot in the AmeriCup. Playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, he averages 12.2 points and 4.3 rebounds in limited minutes.
Frank Kaminsky - USA
Center Age: 31 years old Height: 210 cm / 7'0" Kaminsky is one of the marquee names in this round of qualifiers. After eight seasons in the NBA, he played in Europe with Partizan Belgrade and is now seeking a return to the NBA. Representing the U.S. for the first time, Kaminsky has a chance to showcase his skills and make an impact. FIBA