MIAMI (United States) – The inaugural official First Round awards of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers have been announced. For the first time, FIBA recognized the competition's top performers with digital awards.
MVP: Joaquin Rodriguez - Uruguay
The highest individual honor, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, went to Uruguayan guard Joaquin Rodriguez, who spearheaded his national team's outstanding run to the Second Round. Rodríguez averaged 15.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists, while posting an efficiency rating of 21.7, the second-highest mark of the entire First Round.
His performances were instrumental in Uruguay finishing atop Group D with a 5-1 record, the best First Round campaign in the nation's history in the Americas Qualifiers. With that momentum, Uruguay enters the Second Round with an excellent opportunity to end a four-decade absence from the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The team last appeared in 1986.
All-Star Five
Rodriguez was also named to the First Round All-Star Five, alongside four players who played pivotal roles for their respective national teams:
Brandon Knight (Point Guard) – United States Knight earned his selection after averaging 17.0 points, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steal, with an efficiency rating of 20.8. His contributions helped the United States finish 5-1 and claim first place in Group A. Andres Feliz (Point Guard) – Dominican Republic Feliz delivered an outstanding First Round, averaging 21.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals, while posting an efficiency rating of 24.3, the highest among the All-Star Five selections. The Dominican Republic finished second in Group A with a 4-2 record. Gabriel Deck (Small Forward) – Argentina Deck once again emerged as Argentina's leader, averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, along with an efficiency rating of 18.0. Argentina closed the First Round with a 5-1 record, finishing second in Group D. Kyle Wiltjer (Power Forward) – Canada Wiltjer proved to be one of the most consistent players on Canada's unbeaten squad. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals, with an efficiency rating of 16.7, helping Canada finish a perfect 6-0 and secure first place in Group B.
Rising Star: Wini Braga - Brazil
The Rising Star award went to Wini Braga of Brazil, who made a strong impression during his First Round games. The 21-year-old power forward averaged 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 block, with an efficiency rating of 9.3, contributing to Brazil's flawless campaign as the team also finished 6-0 to top Group C.
FIBA