MIAMI (United States) – The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers will begin to shape the fate of the national teams. Every squad needs the top players to assert their presence and showcase their pedigree in order to stay in contention for a spot in the Second Round. Here are 10 players poised to make an impact and worth keeping a close eye on in the games set to be played from February 26 to March 2:
Jassel Perez (DOM)
Date of birth: Sep. 12, 2001 Position: Shooting Guard Height: 190 cm / 6'3" Perez did not play in the second game of the first window due to disciplinary issues. However, those matters now appear to be resolved. The guard is averaging 11.2 points with Granada in Spain’s top division and is back to provide his scoring punch and athleticism. In the only game he played in the window, he was limited to four points. Now, he will look to redeem himself and prove he is fully committed to the national team.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (USA)
Date of birth: Nov. 3, 2000 Position: Power Forward Height: 206 cm / 6'9" He represented the United States and delivered strong performances at the U18 AmeriCup in 2018 and the U19 World Cup in 2019. He will now make his senior national team debut and is expected to be one of the main pillars for the squad coached by Stephen Silas. This NBA season, he has appeared in 22 games with Indiana and Dallas, averaging 4.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. Overall, he has played in 219 games in the world’s top league.
Tyran De Lattibeaudiere (JAM)
Date of birth: Jan. 25, 1991 Position: Power Forward Height: 202 cm / 6'8" The 34-year-old has been one of the top performers in the current BCL Americas season with Astros de Jalisco. In the Group Phase, he averaged 17.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and a 22.0 efficiency rating, which is the third highest in the competition. He was instrumental in Window 1, alongside Kofi Cockburn, in Jamaica’s historic two wins over Puerto Rico. He contributed 15.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 21.2 minutes per game. The Caribbean squad has already proven to be a dangerous opponent and can continue to expand their chances if he maintains this level.
Joaquin Rodriguez (URU)
Date of birth: Jan. 14, 1999 Position: Shooting Guard Height: 194 cm / 6'4" Rodríguez is arguably at one of the best points of his career. In Spain’s top division with Zaragoza, he is averaging 8.3 points in 20.5 minutes. With the Uruguayan national team, he delivered his best showing during the first window, leading his side to two wins over Panama. In those games, he posted 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists for a 26.5 efficiency rating, the third best of the competition. Alongside Bruno Fitipaldo, he forms a backcourt duo capable of causing serious problems for opponents.
Chris Ortiz (PUR)
Date of birth: Apr. 2, 1993 Position: Power Forward Height: 202 cm / 6'8" The veteran forward continues to make an impact for Puerto Rico. In the previous window, he returned to the national team after missing the AmeriCup 2025 and was one of the few bright spots for a squad that was swept at home by Jamaica. Ortiz was the team’s leading scorer alongside young debutant Zakai Zeigler, both averaging 15.0 points. He also added 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and shot 50 percent from three-point range. With the return of George Conditt and Ismael Romero, Ortiz should be able to play more freely without carrying as much responsibility on the boards.
Marcio Santos (BRA)
Date of birth: Nov. 2, 2002 Position: Center Height: 204 cm / 6'8" The young big man is back with the national team after missing the AmeriCup 2025 and the first window of these qualifiers. During that stretch, he continued carving out his path at the highest level in Europe, first in Germany’s top division and now in Israel. With Maccabi Tel Aviv in the current EuroLeague season, he is averaging 7.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game. He is expected to play a major role as Brazil’s primary center.
Jaime Echenique (COL)
Date of birth: Apr. 27, 1997 Position: Center Height: 213 cm / 7'0" Thanks to his strength in the paint on both ends of the floor, Echenique is a key figure for Colombia—especially in this window, when they will face Chile and Brazil, two teams with solid frontcourts. In the win over Venezuela, he made a significant impact with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block for a team-high 17 efficiency rating. Currently playing for Reggio Emilia in Italy’s Serie A, he is averaging 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 18.8 minutes.
Marcus Carr (CAN)
Date of birth: Jun. 6, 1999 Position: Point Guard Height: 185 cm / 6'1" Trae Bell-Haynes is not listed among Canada’s available players for these games, however, Carr has already shown solid playmaking skills in recent competitions. He will need to step up for the northern squad. He is enjoying an excellent season with Würzburg in Germany’s BBL, averaging 16.7 points and 5.2 assists. In the last AmeriCup, he posted 10.3 points and 4.2 assists, and in the previous window he recorded 8.0 points and 6.0 assists per game.
Jose Ascanio (VEN)
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 1996 Position: Small Forward Height: 202 cm / 6'8" An injury kept him out of Window 1, but he is now expected to return and take on a key role, especially with Michael Carrera unavailable for personal reasons. Ascanio, who averaged 9.7 points at the AmeriCup 2025, will need to elevate his production and emerge as one of the leaders if Venezuela is going to have realistic aspirations against Brazil and Chile.
Eric Romero (PAN)
Date of birth: Jun. 1, 1999 Position: Power Forward Height: 208 cm / 6'10" After stints in Israel and South Korea, Romero returned to the Americas to join Peñarol of Uruguay. The power forward has gradually found his rhythm (9.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 12 games), much to the benefit of the Panamanian national team. Since making his debut in 2021, Romero has steadily improved with the national squad. In the first window, he posted career-best numbers of 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. With the debut of new head coach Nelson Colón, he will once again aim to sustain his upward trajectory.
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