MIAMI (United States) – The final stretch of the road to the FIBA World Cup 2027 is set to begin across the Americas as 16 teams prepare to compete for the seven available tickets to Qatar. And while every squad leans on its trusted veterans and stars in their prime, several nations will also be relying heavily on select young guns who are ready to step up. Here are the rising stars to watch during the first Qualifiers window:
Juan Fernández - ARG
Position: Power Forward Age: 23 Height: 205 cm / 6'8"
Fernández delivered a breakout performance at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup, helping lead an Argentina squad missing EuroLeague stars Facundo Campazzo and Gabriel Deck to a silver medal. He finished ninth in efficiency (17.7) in Nicaragua, averaged 13.7 points, 6 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.2 assists, often playing at center in Pablo Prigioni’s small-ball lineups. The Club Basket Girona big man showed he can do it all for his country, like when he dropped 36 points and 16 rebounds against Colombia or when he blocked eight shots against Puerto Rico in the Quarterfinals. Having just turned 23 years old, Fernández is the true definition of a rising star ready for a major leap.
Jean Montero - DOM
Position: Guard Age: 22 Height: 188 cm / 6'2"
Montero had a quiet summer in Nicaragua as he was recovering from a finger injury that limited him to just three games. After undergoing surgery on his right hand, the scoring dynamo returns to guide the Dominican Republic to a good start to the Qualifiers. With Andrés Feliz and David Jones-García unavailable, Montero is expected to be head coach Néstor García’s primary offensive option against a tough Mexican side.
Karim López - MEX
Position: Forward Age: 18 Height: 203 cm / 6'8"
It’s no exaggeration to call Karim López one of the greatest Mexican prospects ever. The 18-year-old continues to elevate his game each season and remains a strong candidate to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. Already a regular with the senior national team, López competed at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at just 17 and impressed during the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers. Now with the New Zealand Breakers, he is averaging 10 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 40 percent from three in the NBL. In the first window, he’ll look to make his mark alongside Mexico's trusted veterans: Paul Stoll, Gabriel Girón, Pako Cruz and Fabián Jaimes.
Zakai Zeigler - PUR
Position: Point Guard Age: 23 Height: 175 cm / 5'9"
The 23-year-old point guard committed to Puerto Rico earlier this year and is set to make his debut for the Boricuas against Jamaica. After playing four years at the University of Tennessee, the Long Island native turned pro and signed with Nanterre 92 in France, where he’s averaging 9.7 points. 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals. He will be a key addition to a squad that will not feature leaders José Alvarado, Jordan Howard, Tremont Waters and other backcourt stalwarts.
Nathan Fernandes - BRA
Position: Power Forward Age: 22 Height: 207 cm / 6'9"
Nathan Fernandes, also known as Nathan Mariano, recently signed with the Valley Suns of the NBA G League (a Phoenix Suns affiliate). The big man already played three games coming off the bench, showing promise as a rebounder and shot blocker. His role with Brazil continues to grow, and head coach Aleksandar Petrović is once again trusting the young big to step up, particularly with star center Bruno Caboclo unavailable for this window.
FIBA