MIAMI (United States) – Estadio Obras Sanitarias in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is ready to host the historic inaugural edition of the Youth Basketball Champions League Americas (Youth BCL Americas). The tournament will run September 9 through 12, with four teams looking to become the first champions of a competition designed to provide a new platform for the development of young talent across the Americas. The four participating clubs feature several players who have already made their mark with national teams and in club competitions. Here are five players worth following during the inaugural edition of the Youth BCL Americas:
Manuel Pastrana – Defensor Sporting
Date of birth: February 4, 2009 Position: Point guard Height: 185 cm / 6'1" Pastrana is one of the most intriguing prospects in Uruguayan basketball. He already has international experience with his country’s youth national teams and has shown his ability to produce offensively since his first appearances in South American tournaments. At the FIBA U15 South American Championship in 2024 he averaged 15.4 points and 5.2 rebounds, numbers that ranked him among his country's top performers. A year later at the 2025 FIBA U17 South American Championship, he posted 7.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals, finishing as his team’s third-leading scorer. The Youth BCL Americas will provide Pastrana with another opportunity to showcase his development against international opposition.
Joaquin Celiz – Obras
Date of birth: October 20, 2008 Position: Forward Height: 195 cm / 6'5" Celiz arrives after being one of Argentina’s standout performers at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup. He averaged 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, contributing in several areas while finishing as his team’s fifth-leading scorer and third in efficiency with an average of 9.7. His performances with Obras also highlight his consistent contribution. In Argentina’s Development League, he averaged 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
Laurits Bomholt - Academy of Central Florida
Date of birth: July 14, 2008 Position: Center Height: 210 cm / 6'10" Bomholt already has international experience with Denmark at two youth levels. The center played at the 2024 FIBA U16 EuroBasket Division B and, a year later, was part of the Danish team that won the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B, earning promotion to Division A in the process. At this year’s FIBA U18 EuroBasket, Bomholt averaged 7.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, continuing his development against some of Europe’s best players in his age group. At club level, Bomholt most recently suited up for his country’s Bears Academy, where he averaged 7.1 points and 4.4 rebounds. He now embarks on a new chapter with the Academy of Central Florida, where he will look to continue improving his game.
Pietro Melo – Paulistano
Date of birth: August 10, 2008 Position: Point guard Height: 184 cm / 6'0" Melo was an important piece for Brazil at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, helping his national team win the bronze medal and secure one of the four available spots at next year’s FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. At the continental competition, he averaged 10.2 points and 4.7 assists, showcasing his ability to create for others while also contributing as a scorer. He has also gained experience with Paulistano’s senior team in Brazil’s NBB, playing 11 games during the previous season. More recently in the Paulista Tournament, he once again impressed with 13.8 points per game. Along with an outstanding 44.4 percent from three-point range and 2.8 assists.
RJ Evans – Academy of Central Florida
Date of birth: February 18, 2011 Position: Shooting guard Height: 195 cm / 6'5" At just 15 years old, RJ Evans will be one of the youngest players in the competition, facing opponents who may be up to two years older than him. RJ, the son of former NBA player Reggie Evans, has developed a different profile from his father, who was primarily known as an interior big man. Instead, the young talent operates on the perimeter and has the tools to score at all three levels. His potential has also caught the attention of USA Basketball. Evans has been invited to camps and various activities within its development program, while several recruiting analysts have consistently ranked him among the top three players nationally in the 2029 class.
How to watch Youth BCL Americas
All Youth BCL Americas games will be streamed live on FIBA’s official YouTube channel.
The matches will also be available on Basquetpass in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.
Fans can also follow the action, results and highlights on the official Basketball Champions League Americas platforms on Facebook, Instagram and X. Remember to use the hashtag #YouthBCLA.
FIBA