MIAMI (United States) – Everything is set for the start of the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025. The best young talent from across the Americas will gather in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, from June 2 to 8, aiming to secure one of the four available spots for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026. The FIBA U16 AmeriCup has traditionally been a breeding ground for top players who have gone on to become stars on the international stage—and this edition promises to be no different.
Several top-tier prospects will take the court with their respective national teams, and here are the ones expected to make the biggest impact:
Ian Torres (ARG)
The 6'4" (1.93m) shooting guard made the All-Tournament Team at the 2024 South American U15 Championship and played a key role in Argentina's third-place finish. He averaged 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game. Expectations are high for a similar performance this time around, as Argentina looks to secure a spot in its eighth U17 World Cup.
Lucas Moro (BRA)
Known for his powerful frame, Moro is considered one of Brazil’s brightest up-and-coming talents. The 6'5" (1.95m) forward impressed at the South American U15 Championship, where Brazil finished second. He averaged 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game and earned All-Tournament honors. Brazil is seeking to qualify for its first-ever U17 World Cup, and Moro’s performance will be key to that mission.
Jeremy Gohier (CAN)
Following in the footsteps of towering Canadian big men like Zach Edey and Olivier Rioux, Gohier—who stands over 7’3” (2.20m)—has already turned heads. The Quebec native has dominated youth competitions not just with his size but also with a rare blend of coordination and skill. His unique physical profile makes him one of the most exciting global prospects in his age group.
Malvin Durán (DOM)
Durán led the 2024 U15 Centrobasket Championship in scoring with 21.0 points per game, helping the Dominican Republic to a third-place finish. He also contributed 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. The 5'9" (1.76m) shooting guard showed his class when it mattered most—dropping 27 points in the semifinal against Puerto Rico and 20 in the bronze medal game against Panama. He was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Gael García (MEX)
García led the 2024 U15 Centrobasket Championship in rebounds (11.8) and efficiency rating (25.0), while also averaging 15.8 points and 2.5 steals. The 6'3" (1.90m) forward was the engine behind Mexico’s runner-up finish. With a combination of technical skills, physical strength, and on-court maturity, he’s already generating major buzz in his home country.
Jeremy Willmore (PUR)
Willmore led Puerto Rico to the Centrobasket U15 title and was named MVP of the tournament. The 5'11" (1.80m) shooting guard put on a show, averaging 20.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.8 steals per game. He scored 22 points against the Dominican Republic in the semifinal and 23 against Mexico in the final. Willmore has been sharpening his skills while playing high school ball in Florida, and Puerto Rico has high hopes for the rising star.
Beckham Black (USA)
The younger brother of Orlando Magic guard and former Arkansas Razorback Anthony Black, Beckham is carving out his own name at Duncanville High School (Texas), one of the premier basketball programs in the country. Standing at 6'1" (1.86m), he's considered a true point guard who excels at ball distribution and game management, but also has a reliable three-point shot. Black is already ranked among the top prospects at his position—No. 8 among point guards in the Class of 2027 and No. 4 in the state of Texas.
Julio Vásquez (VEN)
Vásquez led Venezuela to the South American U15 title with averages of 16.2 points (on 57% shooting), 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. The 6'3" (1.90m) shooting guard earned MVP honors in that tournament and is expected to lead the team once again. Known for his versatility, Vásquez is developing at a high level in Europe as part of the Dreamland Gran Canaria program in Spain FIBA