FIBA AmeriCup 2025 – Team profile: Venezuela

MIAMI (United States) – Venezuela’s rebuilding process continues with a renewed roster set to compete in Nicaragua. While it retained a few veterans, the team failed to advance past the group stage at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. In the AmeriCup Qualifiers, a mix of experienced players and young talent struggled at times, but secured their spot in the continental tournament with two key home wins in the final window.

In this competition, the new generation is expected to take on greater responsibilities, but it will be difficult for the Venezuelans overall, as realistic goals appear limited. They are currently ranked 25th in the FIBA World Ranking and 7th in the Americas.

Tournament history

This will be Venezuela’s 18th AmeriCup appearance. Its trophy case includes a title in 2015, a silver medal in 1992, and a bronze in 2005. In the 2022 edition in Brazil, Venezuela finished seventh overall.

Players to watch

Yohanner Sifontes and José Ascanio are expected to take center stage following the permanent departure of key veterans. Sifontes looked solid in the qualifiers, averaging 10.8 points per game. Ascanio contributed 6.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in limited minutes (18.8). Enrique Medina, a 7’2” (2.18m), 21-year-old center, is one of the team’s most promising prospects.

Anyelo Cisneros averaged 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds with Argentina’s Gimnasia and is also ready to take on a bigger role in the rotation. Veterans David Cubillán and Windi Graterol are the only remaining members of the old guard and will serve as mentors to the roster.

Head coach: Ronald Guillén

Appointed earlier this year, Guillén previously served as an assistant under Argentine coaches Néstor García and Fernando Duró. In 2024, he won the Venezuelan league title before taking over the national team in a challenging situation. He guided Venezuela to qualification in the final window and now aims to lay a foundation for the program’s future.

Outlook

Venezuela is in Group B, where it will face Canada, Puerto Rico, and Panama (in that order). On paper, the team faces an uphill battle in the first two matchups against two regional powerhouses. They are expected to battle Panama for third place, then see if that will be enough to advance as one of the two best third-placed teams.

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