MIAMI (United States) – In the first Group Phase of the Basketball Champions League Americas Season 4, which was played from December 9 to 14, the Libertadores (MEX), Franca (BRA) and Quimsa (ARG) teams finished as the undefeated leaders of their respective groups. Flamengo also seized the top of Group C (with the best ratio of points for and against).

Behind the success of each team, certain players have made it clear that they will be a key component in their team aspirations this season.

These were the most outstanding of each group in these first group stage:

Group A: Jared Ruiz – Real Esteli 

PTS: 21.5 | REB: 10.5 | AST: 3.5 | STL: 1.0 | EFF: 26.0

The Nicaraguan star was the leader of the attack for the "Tren del Norte". In this first round, Real Estelí came out with a 1-1 record and in their victory against Honey Badgers, Ruiz had an enormous contribution of 27 points and 13 rebounds.

Group B: Shaquille Johnson – Minas 

PTS: 21.5 | 3P: 57% | REB: 6.5 | AST: 5.0 | EFF: 26.0

Johnson, who is playing his third consecutive BCL Americas campaign with Minas, has already shown his ability. Once again, the 32-year-old player was the engine of the Belo Horizonte club, posting remarkable numbers in his first two games. In addition to his contribution in points, rebounds and assists, it should be mentioned that in this first stage he made 11 of his 13 attempts from the free throw line.

Group C: Jose Vildoza – Flamengo 

PTS: 17.5 | REB: 4.5 | AST: 2.5 | STL: 1.0 | EFF: 18.5

The point guard has just lifted the 2022 AmeriCup title trophy with the Argentina team and has been projecting himself as one of the best in his position in his country. He had already shown his quality at a continental level while at San Lorenzo, and now with a giant like Flamengo he has assumed the role very naturally.

Group D: Georginho De Paula – Franca 

PTS: 20.5 | 3P: 55% | REB: 12.0 | AST: 5.0 | STL: 1.5 | EFF: 29.0

The versatile player, capable of playing positions one through three, is performing at a high level, not only with his club but also with the Brazil national team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers. On this occasion, he led Franca in points, rebounds and assists, and although the team is full of talent, what Georginho did was decisive to leave with a 2-0 record.

FIBA