BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) – Pietro Melo was named Most Valuable Player of the inaugural edition of the Youth Basketball Champions League Americas (Youth BCL Americas) after an outstanding performance that helped Paulistano claim the title. The Brazilian point guard led the competition in scoring. He averaged 21.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, while shooting an impressive 53 percent from three-point range and posting an efficiency rating of 16.3.
In the Final against Obras, he showed his ability to step up when it mattered most. He scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead Paulistano’s comeback and contribute to the 74-69 victory
All-Star Five
Melo headlines the competition’s All-Star Five, which also includes:
Lucas Bertato - Paulistano
Bertato finished the tournament averaging 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game. The forward was a key figure for the winners. Particularly in the championship game when he recorded a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. He also finished second in steals and third in efficiency, with an efficiency rating of 16.7.
Luka Garcia - Obras
Garcia was the competition’s second-leading scorer, averaging 19.0 points per game. The point guard also produced 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.3 steals, leading the tournament in assists and finishing third in steals while becoming the hosts’ main reference point. He once again took on that role in the Final, contributing 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, although he could not prevent his team from falling short.
Manuel Pastrana - Defensor Sporting
Pastrana averaged 11.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, along with 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals. The Uruguayan point guard played a decisive role in his team’s bronze-medal finish. In the Third-Place Game against Academy of Central Florida, he emerged as the offensive standout. He finished with 24 points, adding 11 rebounds and 2 steals.
Lilian Tchabo - Academy of Central Florida
Tchabo stood out as one of the most complete players in the competition. The power forward averaged 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 steals, while posting an efficiency rating of 21.8, the highest in the tournament. He also finished as the tournament leader in steals and third-place in rebounds, further highlighting his ability to make an impact in different areas of the game.
FIBA