MIAMI (United States) – In recent years, national team competitions have showcased young players rising as promising prospects and growing into key contributors. In this second window of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers, scheduled from November 21 to 25, the stage is set for these players to step into pivotal roles. Here are some young players, born in 2002 or later, who have the potential to shine this week:
Karim López - MEX
Position: Foward Birth Date: April 12, 2007 (16 years old) Height: 201 cm / 6'7" Mexico’s newest basketball sensation is already considered an elite prospect with NBA potential. Despite his youth, he has demonstrated he can compete at the senior level. Coach Omar Quintero is likely to increase López’s playing time in this window. Earlier this year, he debuted with the senior national team during the February games and delivered solid performances in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, averaging 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds. Currently playing for the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s NBL, López has been steadily increasing his minutes, now averaging 22 per game with 8.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks.
Marcos Chacón - CUB
Position: Point Guard Birth Date: June 24, 2003 (21 years old) Height: 194 cm / 6'4" Chacón has been a member of Cuba’s senior national team since 2021 and has grown into an increasingly important role. Known for his versatility, he contributes across multiple areas, including rebounding. In February, he played just one game but recorded 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in a win over USA. Currently playing for Gimnasia in Argentina’s top league, he’s averaging 3.9 points and 1.3 assists in 17.1 minutes per game.
Juan Fernández - ARG
Position: Center Birth Date: November 21, 2002 (21 years old) Height: 205 cm / 6'9" Fernández, who has been developing his career in Spain, remains one of Argentina’s most promising talents. Together with his Girona teammate Francisco Cáffaro, he is expected to solidify his role as one of the team’s key interior players. This window offers Fernández a chance to further establish himself as Argentina plays crucial home games. During February’s games, he averaged 6.5 points and 1.5 rebounds, while his best performance came in the 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifiers, where he averaged 8.5 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Marcio Santos - BRA
Position: Power Foward Birth Date: November 2, 2002 (22 years old) Height: 204 cm / 6'8" After several standout seasons with SESI Franca in Brazil’s domestic league and the BCL Americas, Santos made the leap to Europe this year. In his first international stint with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s BBL, he’s averaging 6.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game. Brazil, facing several injuries, will rely on Santos to play a significant role in this window. In February’s games, he contributed to Brazil’s two victories with 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Phillip Wheeler - PUR
Position: Foward Birth Date: April 23, 2002 (22 years old) Height: 203 cm / 6'8" Wheeler narrowly missed out on Puerto Rico’s final roster for the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers, which speaks volumes about his talent. Under new coach Carlos González, Wheeler has a fresh opportunity to secure a permanent spot on the team. He has started the G-League season strong with the Texas Legends, averaging 14.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. FIBA