MIAMI (United States) – Group B of Season 7 of the Basketball Champions League Americas will be the last to tip off in this first stage of December, with Group A set to begin at the end of January. Starting this Saturday, December 13, reigning champion Flamengo (BRA), Nacional (URU), and Obras (ARG) will begin their fight for the two available spots in the next phase. The current titleholder is the clear favorite to finish first, but its two opponents have experienced players, which could lead to tight games. Here’s how the three Group B teams stack up:
Flamengo (BRA)
The defending champion is the most successful team in tournament history. In addition to two titles, the team has three silver medals and is the only club to have participated in every edition of the BCL Americas. Last year, they fell short in the domestic league after losing in the Semifinals, but in the current campaign, it shares first place with a 12–2 record. Argentine head coach Sergio Hernández, who led the team to the continental crown, returns to the bench aiming for a back-to-back run.
Key facts
Appearances: 7 (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26)
Best finish: 2-time champion (2020-21 y 2024-25)
All-time record: 46-8
Against group rivals: vs. Nacional: 0-0 | vs. Obras: 2-0
Notable: After its two games in this first stage, Flamengo will reach 56 appearances, the most in BCL Americas history. With 66 more points, the team will also become the highest-scoring club in the competition
Players to watch
Alexey Borges and Gui Deodato, who in 2025 won the continental titles at both club level and with Brazil in the AmeriCup, are two of the team’s main leaders. Jhonatan Dos Santos, Kayo Manfio, and Shaquille Johnson also remain, while the team added Argentine prospect Alex Negrete and Americans Markeith Cummings and Dee Bost.
Outlook
Flamengo remains strong across all lines and is once again a firm contender for the crown. In this group, the team should claim first place with little trouble, watching from above to see who joins them in the Quarterfinals.
Nacional (URU)
The club is experiencing one of its best moments. In 2024, it became the first Uruguayan team to win the South American League and also captured the domestic league title, all under head coach Álvaro Ponce. This year in the LUB, Nacional holds a 9–3 record, just one win behind the top of the standings.
Key facts
Appearances: 3 (2021-22, 2023-24 y 2025-26)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2023-24)
All-time record: 5-10
Against group rivals: vs. Flamengo: 0-0 | vs. Obras Sanitarias: 0-0
Notable: As the host for this stage, Nacional has a 2–1 home record in the BCL Americas
Players to watch
Veteran point guard Luciano Parodi stood out for Uruguay in the first window of the World Cup Qualifiers. He remains a sure bet thanks to his court vision and long-range shooting. Pablo Gómez left a strong impression at the AmeriCup, and is another key piece along with Patricio Prieto and Gianfranco Espíndola. Meanwhile, Dominican James Feldeine and Panamanian Ernesto Oglivie carry much of the team’s offensive load.
Outlook
The Uruguayan side must showcase its South American championship pedigree to now stand out at the highest continental level. With Flamengo a step ahead on paper, Nacional is expected to battle Obras for second place.
Obras (ARG)
After reaching the Quarterfinals in last season’s Argentine LNB, Obras has started the current campaign well, with an 8–4 record that places it among the top three in the standings. Guido Fabbris, a product of the institution and longtime assistant, became head coach last April and now leads the team through his first full season.
Key facts
Appearances: 5 (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, 2025-26)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2023-24)
All-time record: 7-17
Against group rivals: vs. Flamengo: 0-2 | vs. Nacional: 0-0
Notable: Needs 36 points to reach 2,000 in BCL Americas; only six teams have reached that mark
Players to watch
Obras features a strong core of experienced players led by Marcos Mata, Marcos Delía, Pedro Barral, and Juan Brussino, who joined this year. Federico Zezular also arrived to reinforce the group of national players. Chilean sharpshooter Felipe Inyaco returns, while Americans Tyler Sabin and Andrew Corum round out the foreign signings.
Outlook
As noted earlier, the head-to-head matchup with Nacional will be critical to Obras’ chances of advancing. Unlike previous years, the team now boasts players with substantial international experience— a factor that could make the difference.
FIBA