MOGI DAS CRUZES (Brazil) - The Sao Paulo region and all of Brazil is still buzzing, 11 days after something quite remarkable happened.
Igor Willian Domingos Botelho of Mogi Basquete made his professional debut in a game against Basket Osasco on April 17.
He was just 14 years, one month and 19 days old when he ran onto the court and played more than 11 minutes in his team's 76-73 defeat.
Called, "Igor Negao", the 1.80m guard dazzled with his movement on the court, his ball handling and scoring. He made both of his shots from the field, one of them a 3-pointer, and also sank a couple of free-throws.
Young Igor also had an assist, a steal and a rebound.
In an interview with Basketball Sphere, Igor talked about playing the sport.
“I fell in love with basketball playing in the street and at school, and I hope to continue to progress within this club,” he said, before explaining how he'd been able to make a splash at such an early age.
"I think it’s thanks to intensive training; I train every day on the court and physically."
Igor also spoke of his aims.
I want to become a star in the United States
"I want to become a star in the United States,” he said.
Igor has played in the youth team of Mogi Basquete, which is known for excellent player development. The under-14 team, coached by Caio Bueris, is currently dominating, with an undefeated streak that has already lasted more than a year.
Before the game, Mogi coach Fernando Penna said: “He’s one of our young prospects. He’s a naturally athletic guy... We strongly believe in his potential and that he can improve a lot, both physically and technically. I couldn’t give this opportunity to all the U-14 players, but we’ve identified Igor as the most ready player, perhaps physically, to face a professional, adult league. We’re very happy to reward this entire team that’s making history."
According to the LNB.COM.BR website, Eduardo Klafke, the son of former player Rogério Kalfke, had been the youngest player in league history.
Klafke made his debut for Sesi Franca on December 21, 2020, at the age of 15 years, one month, and 10 days. He has played the last two seasons for the Ole Miss Rebels in American college basketball.
In Europe, Igor's professional bow will bring back memories of Ricky Rubio, who was 14 years and 11 months old when he made his debut with Joventut Badalona in the Spanish top flight on October 15, 2005.
Rubio went on to play at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and made it to the NBA in 2011 with Minnesota. Among his many achievements in international basketball, Rubio was the MVP of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
In May 2025, Paris Klontzaris became the youngest player ever to appear in the Greek League, stepping onto the court - and into the record books - at only 14 years old.
FIBA