The FIBA Beneath-16 AmeriCup occurred in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, throughout the first week of June, that includes the highest younger basketball expertise from throughout the Americas competing for gold. Group USA entered the occasion with an undefeated document because the event’s inception in 2009 and continued its dominance in 2025, ending with an ideal 6-0 document and a median margin of victory of 58.6 factors. Whereas many gamers showcased their expertise, eight American and eight worldwide prospects emerged as the highest performers of their age group. With the NBA Draft now full and the summer season scouting circuit in full swing, together with the continuing FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland, consideration now shifts to figuring out the following wave of rising stars. Right here’s a have a look at the standouts from this 12 months’s U16 AmeriCup.
High Prospects:
Nasir Anderson 6’2 195 PG -2027
Anderson has emerged as one of many fastest-rising prospects in highschool basketball over the previous 12 months, and he continued his robust play with a standout displaying in Mexico. The 6’2″ guard combines a well-built body with spectacular size and energy, permitting him to make a constant influence on each ends of the ground. He was named MVP and earned All-Match First Group honors because of his all-around manufacturing. Anderson averaged 12.3 factors per sport whereas taking pictures an distinctive 75% from the sphere. Although his exterior shot stays a piece in progress (simply 2-for-8 from three), he compensated with tight ball-handling, a fast first step, and the flexibility to interrupt down defenses off the dribble. He additionally flashed elite athleticism, ending performs with authority each at and above the rim. As a real ground normal, Anderson led the occasion in assists, allotting a tournament-record 41 throughout six video games (6.8 APG). Defensively, he was equally dominant—pacing all gamers with 3.5 steals per sport by utilizing his size, anticipation, and quickness to disrupt opposing offenses.
Marcus Spears 6’7 180 PF – 2027
Spears was named to the All-Match First Group after serving to lead Group USA to a gold medal in Mexico, delivering a robust two-way efficiency all through the occasion. The son of a former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman, Spears brings a uncommon mix of physicality, size, and athleticism to the wing place. He led Group USA in scoring at 14 factors per sport whereas taking pictures an environment friendly 60.8% from the sphere, constantly ending across the basket and within the paint. Whereas his perimeter taking pictures stays an space for progress (35.3% from three), his scoring contact and shot choice had been efficient total. On the defensive finish, Spears was some of the versatile gamers within the event, averaging 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per sport. He used his energy to battle greater forwards and his agility to maintain tempo with faster guards, showcasing the flexibility to protect a number of positions. His most dominant displaying got here within the opener in opposition to Mexico, the place he posted 15 factors and 11 rebounds on 6-of-9 taking pictures, setting the tone for a robust event run.
AJ Williams 6’6 180 SF-2028
Williams, the No. 2 ranked participant within the class of 2028, lived as much as the hype from the outset in Mexico. Regardless of coming off the bench, he made a serious influence for Group USA, main the squad in rebounding with 7.8 boards per sport and rating third in scoring at 13.5 factors per sport on an environment friendly 57.4% taking pictures from the sphere. His versatility was on full show all through the event—at instances serving as the first ball handler, spacing the ground together with his jumper (37.9% from three on 4.8 makes an attempt per sport), and thriving in a number of roles. Williams’s relentless motor and spectacular size allowed him to rebound in visitors and defend throughout positions. He constantly introduced vitality and manufacturing, sparking scoring runs and serving to ship key defensive stops. His all-around influence was mirrored in his team-best +22.8 plus-minus, a testomony to the profitable performs he made on each ends of the ground.
CJ Rosser Jr. 6’8 195 PF -2027
Rosser entered the event because the highest-rated participant on Group USA—and the No. 2 prospect within the class of 2027—and he lived as much as that billing with a standout efficiency in Mexico. A dynamic athlete with a cultured, pro-ready talent set, Rosser performed a serious function in serving to Group USA safe gold. His two-way versatility stood out all through the occasion, as he constantly scored from all three ranges and defended a number of positions with ease. He averaged 13.7 factors per sport on an environment friendly 56.1% from the sphere, whereas additionally showcasing his perimeter sport by main the crew in three-point taking pictures at 42.9% on 3.5 makes an attempt per contest. Rosser additionally displayed superior ball-handling and decision-making, typically pushing the ball in transition and initiating the offense, including almost two assists per sport. Defensively, he was a disruptive drive—his 7-foot wingspan helped him common 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.8 steals per sport. Along with his mix of athleticism, really feel, and two-way influence, Rosser constantly separated himself from his friends all through the event.
Colton Hiller 6’4 170 SG -2028
Hiller was the youngest participant on Group USA’s roster in Mexico at simply 14 years outdated, however he performed nicely past his years. Ranked because the No. 13 total prospect and No. 4 taking pictures guard within the class of 2027, Hiller impressed together with his poise, confidence, and shot-making all through the event. He completed tenth total in scoring and fourth on Group USA, averaging 13.0 factors per sport on higher than 47% taking pictures from the sphere. His largest weapon was his perimeter taking pictures—he linked on almost 37% of his three-point makes an attempt whereas taking 6.3 per sport, displaying each vary and quantity. Coming off the bench, Hiller constantly offered scoring punch, together with his greatest efficiency coming in opposition to the Dominican Republic, the place he poured in 16 factors on 6-of-11 taking pictures, together with 4-of-5 from deep. His capacity to area the ground and rating beneath stress made him some of the promising younger gamers within the event.
Jordan Web page 6’5 190 SF -2027
Web page delivered an impressive event for Group USA, showcasing his influence on each ends of the ground. He averaged 12 factors per sport whereas taking pictures an environment friendly 59% from the sphere, constantly utilizing his quickness and explosiveness to assault the rim. A dynamic athlete, Web page stood out for his capacity to complete by means of contact and above the rim, throwing down a number of dunks all through the occasion. His most spectacular efficiency got here within the opening sport in opposition to Mexico, the place he erupted for 25 factors on simply 12 shot makes an attempt and went an ideal 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, setting the tone for Group USA’s gold-medal run.
Beckham Black 6’2 170 PG -2027
Black, the youthful brother of Orlando Magic level guard Anthony Black, made a robust impression throughout coaching camp and carried that momentum into the event in Mexico. Splitting level guard duties with Nasir Anderson, he constantly showcased his playmaking capacity and court docket imaginative and prescient. A gifted ball-handler with a fast first step, Black excelled at breaking down defenses and creating alternatives for teammates. Regardless of being one of many smaller gamers on the ground, he’s a top-tier athlete with explosive leaping capacity, ending a number of performs above the rim. He averaged 6.7 factors per sport on 41% taking pictures, although he struggled from past the arc—hitting simply 14.3% on 3.5 three-point makes an attempt per sport. Defensively, Black was a standout, utilizing his pace and instincts to common 3.3 steals per sport. He additionally ranked second in event historical past with 39 complete assists (6.5 APG), cementing his standing as one of many occasion’s prime playmakers.
Erick Dampier Jr. 6’9 220 C -2028
Erick Dampier Jr., the son of former NBA middle Erick Dampier, made a robust impression for Group USA as the one class of 2028 participant to start out video games throughout the event. Ranked No. 3 total and the highest middle in his class, Dampier offered a gentle inside presence that anchored the crew on each ends. Whereas not a major scoring choice, his influence was simple—he averaged 7.7 factors per sport on an environment friendly 66.7% taking pictures, showcasing a cultured low-post sport with tender contact and quite a lot of strikes across the rim. On protection, Dampier was a dependable rim protector and rebounder, averaging 6.7 boards and 1.3 blocks per sport in simply 17 minutes of motion. His dimension, really feel, and bodily maturity stood out all through the occasion, particularly for a rising freshman.
Worldwide Prospects
Isaiah Hamilton 6’6 170 SF – 2009 (Canada)
Hamilton was named to the All-Match First Group after taking part in a pivotal function in Group Canada’s silver medal end. One of many event’s prime performers, he led all scorers for a number of video games and finally completed second total with a powerful 21.2 factors per sport on 50% taking pictures from the sphere. His standout efficiency got here in opposition to Brazil, the place he erupted for a tournament-high 32 factors on 11-of-20 taking pictures. A dynamic athlete, Hamilton constantly attacked off the dribble with a fast first step and completed performs at and above the rim with explosive leaping capacity. He additionally anchored Canada’s protection, main the crew with 6.2 rebounds and three steals per sport, utilizing his athleticism and anticipation to make performs on each ends. From the perimeter, he stored defenses trustworthy by flattening 36.4% of his 6.6 three-point makes an attempt per sport, showcasing constant vary and shot-making all through the occasion.
Dwight Gaines 5’11 160 PG – 2009 (Puerto Rico)
Gaines was one of many breakout stars of the event in Mexico, serving because the offensive anchor for a Puerto Rico squad that completed fourth total. He led all gamers in complete scoring with 131 factors, averaging 21.8 factors per sport on 44.1% taking pictures from the sphere. A assured perimeter shooter, Gaines linked on 38.7% of his three-point makes an attempt whereas taking on 10 photographs per sport from past the arc, making him a continuing menace from deep. He mixed a fast first step with tight ball-handling to create scoring alternatives, each for himself and others, averaging 3.2 assists per contest. Regardless of being undersized, Gaines flashed spectacular athleticism—constantly ending on the rim by means of visitors, above the rim in transition, and displaying no hesitation attacking greater defenders. His dynamic offensive talent set made him one of many event’s most harmful and constant performers.
Julio Vasquez 6’3 190 SG -2009 (Venezuela)
Julio Vasquez was the clear standout for Venezuela throughout the event, serving to lead his crew to a bronze medal with a key victory over Puerto Rico. Venezuela finally completed fourth total, with Vasquez serving as each the crew’s main scorer and defensive anchor. He averaged 15.5 factors per sport, regardless of taking pictures simply 36.8% from the sphere and struggling from past the arc—hitting solely 21.9% of his 5.3 three-point makes an attempt per sport. Nonetheless, his scoring instincts, toughness, and aggressive drive had been evident all through the occasion. Along with his scoring, he contributed 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per sport, typically taking up the hardest defensive assignments. His greatest displaying got here within the bronze medal sport, the place he delivered 20 factors on simply 11 photographs and grabbed seven rebounds to assist safe the win.
Malvin Duran 5’9 170 SG – 2009 (Dominican Republic)
Regardless of the Dominican Republic’s struggles in Mexico, taking pictures guard Malvin Duran emerged as one of many prime worldwide standouts of the event. He completed fourth in scoring total, averaging 16.2 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 37.6% from the sphere. A assured perimeter menace, Duran knocked down 37.1% of his 5.8 three-point makes an attempt per sport and displayed a cultured offensive talent set. He scored in any respect three ranges—attacking the basket by means of contact, hitting pull-up threes in transition, and displaying poise beneath stress. On the defensive finish, Duran was a vivid spot for his crew, main the Dominican Republic with greater than 2.3 steals per sport and turning turnovers into fast-break factors.
Lucas Moro 6’5 180 SF – 2009 (Brazil)
Lucas Moro served because the clear chief for Group Brazil in Mexico, standing out as the one participant on the roster to common double figures in scoring. He posted 14.7 factors per sport throughout six contests, showcasing his offensive effectivity by taking pictures 42.7% from the sphere and 34.1% from three on 6.8 makes an attempt per sport. Moro introduced priceless versatility on each ends of the ground, contributing just below 5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per sport whereas guarding a number of positions. His greatest efficiency got here in Brazil’s opening sport in opposition to Puerto Rico, the place he tallied 22 factors and 7 rebounds on 7-of-16 taking pictures in simply 26 minutes.
Fernando Varallo 6’6 190 C – 2009 (Brazil)
Fernando Varallo anchored Brazil’s frontcourt in Mexico, establishing himself as one of many event’s best inside gamers regardless of standing simply 6’6″. Varallo led all gamers in rebounding, averaging a tournament-best 8.7 boards per sport, together with 8.0 factors on an environment friendly 50% taking pictures from the sphere. He took six photographs per sport and made essentially the most of his touches across the basket, whereas his relentless motor made him a dominant presence on the glass—grabbing 5.0 defensive rebounds and three.7 offensive rebounds per contest. His standout efficiency got here in opposition to Argentina, the place he posted 10 factors on eight shot makes an attempt and recorded a tournament-high 20 rebounds, showcasing his toughness and rebounding instincts.
Kevin Gutierrez 6’5 185 PF – 2009 (Venezuela)
Gutierrez performed a key function in Venezuela’s bronze medal run, rising because the crew’s second-best performer and showcasing his versatility and influence on each ends of the ground. He ranked second in scoring for Venezuela and twentieth total within the event, averaging 10.3 factors per sport on an environment friendly 58.8% taking pictures from the sphere. One of many prime rebounders within the occasion, Gutierrez averaged 8.5 boards per sport—together with 1.7 on the offensive glass—utilizing his energy, timing, and motor to dominate the inside. Defensively, he introduced constant vitality and used his size to disrupt passing lanes, averaging 1.3 steals per contest. His greatest outing got here in sport 4 in opposition to the Dominican Republic, the place he tallied 16 factors and 11 rebounds on 14 shot makes an attempt, serving to energy Venezuela to a crucial win.
Brayner Pagan 6’7 200 C – 2009 (Dominican Republic)
Regardless of the Dominican Republic’s struggles within the event, Brayner Pagan emerged as a vivid spot over the crew’s six-game run. Standing at 6’7″, Pagan made his largest influence on the defensive finish, utilizing his size and timing to anchor the inside. Offensively, he averaged 8.5 factors per sport on 42.1% taking pictures, offering stable manufacturing within the frontcourt. Nonetheless, it was his rebounding and shot-blocking that actually stood out—Pagan averaged 7.2 rebounds per sport and led the complete event in blocks with a powerful 2.7 per contest. His greatest efficiency got here within the remaining sport in opposition to Brazil, the place he delivered 14 factors, eight rebounds, and a tournament-high seven blocks, showcasing his capacity to dominate the paint.
