The FIBA Under-16 AmeriCup took place in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, during the first week of June, featuring the top young basketball talent from across the Americas competing for gold. Team USA entered the event with an undefeated record since the tournament’s inception in 2009 and continued its dominance in 2025, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record and an average margin of victory of 58.6 points. While many players showcased their talent, eight American and eight international prospects emerged as the top performers in their age group. With the NBA Draft now complete and the summer scouting circuit in full swing, including the ongoing FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland, attention now shifts to identifying the next wave of rising stars. Here’s a look at the standouts from this year’s U16 AmeriCup.
Top Prospects:
Nasir Anderson 6’2 195 PG -2027
Anderson has emerged as one of the fastest-rising prospects in high school basketball over the past year, and he continued his strong play with a standout showing in Mexico. The 6’2″ guard combines a well-built frame with impressive length and strength, allowing him to make a consistent impact on both ends of the floor. He was named MVP and earned All-Tournament First Team honors thanks to his all-around production. Anderson averaged 12.3 points per game while shooting an exceptional 75% from the field. Though his outside shot remains a work in progress (just 2-for-8 from three), he compensated with tight ball-handling, a quick first step, and the ability to break down defenses off the dribble. He also flashed elite athleticism, finishing plays with authority both at and above the rim. As a true floor general, Anderson led the event in assists, dishing out a tournament-record 41 across six games (6.8 APG). Defensively, he was equally dominant—pacing all players with 3.5 steals per game by using his length, anticipation, and quickness to disrupt opposing offenses.
Marcus Spears 6’7 180 PF – 2027
Spears was named to the All-Tournament First Team after helping lead Team USA to a gold medal in Mexico, delivering a strong two-way performance throughout the event. The son of a former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman, Spears brings a rare blend of physicality, length, and athleticism to the wing position. He led Team USA in scoring at 14 points per game while shooting an efficient 60.8% from the field, consistently finishing around the basket and in the paint. While his perimeter shooting remains an area for growth (35.3% from three), his scoring touch and shot selection were effective overall. On the defensive end, Spears was one of the most versatile players in the tournament, averaging 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. He used his strength to battle bigger forwards and his agility to keep pace with quicker guards, showcasing the ability to guard multiple positions. His most dominant showing came in the opener against Mexico, where he posted 15 points and 11 rebounds on 6-of-9 shooting, setting the tone for a strong tournament run.
AJ Williams 6’6 180 SF-2028
Williams, the No. 2 ranked player in the class of 2028, lived up to the hype from the outset in Mexico. Despite coming off the bench, he made a major impact for Team USA, leading the squad in rebounding with 7.8 boards per game and ranking third in scoring at 13.5 points per game on an efficient 57.4% shooting from the field. His versatility was on full display throughout the tournament—at times serving as the primary ball handler, spacing the floor with his jumper (37.9% from three on 4.8 attempts per game), and thriving in multiple roles. Williams’s relentless motor and impressive length allowed him to rebound in traffic and defend across positions. He consistently brought energy and production, sparking scoring runs and helping deliver key defensive stops. His all-around impact was reflected in his team-best +22.8 plus-minus, a testament to the winning plays he made on both ends of the floor.
CJ Rosser Jr. 6’8 195 PF -2027
Rosser entered the tournament as the highest-rated player on Team USA—and the No. 2 prospect in the class of 2027—and he lived up to that billing with a standout performance in Mexico. A dynamic athlete with a polished, pro-ready skill set, Rosser played a major role in helping Team USA secure gold. His two-way versatility stood out throughout the event, as he consistently scored from all three levels and defended multiple positions with ease. He averaged 13.7 points per game on an efficient 56.1% from the field, while also showcasing his perimeter game by leading the team in three-point shooting at 42.9% on 3.5 attempts per contest. Rosser also displayed advanced ball-handling and decision-making, often pushing the ball in transition and initiating the offense, adding nearly two assists per game. Defensively, he was a disruptive force—his 7-foot wingspan helped him average 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game. With his blend of athleticism, feel, and two-way impact, Rosser consistently separated himself from his peers throughout the tournament.
Colton Hiller 6’4 170 SG -2028
Hiller was the youngest player on Team USA’s roster in Mexico at just 14 years old, but he played well beyond his years. Ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 4 shooting guard in the class of 2027, Hiller impressed with his poise, confidence, and shot-making throughout the tournament. He finished 10th overall in scoring and fourth on Team USA, averaging 13.0 points per game on better than 47% shooting from the field. His biggest weapon was his perimeter shooting—he connected on nearly 37% of his three-point attempts while taking 6.3 per game, showing both range and volume. Coming off the bench, Hiller consistently provided scoring punch, with his best performance coming against the Dominican Republic, where he poured in 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-5 from deep. His ability to space the floor and score under pressure made him one of the most promising young players in the tournament.
Jordan Page 6’5 190 SF -2027
Page delivered an outstanding tournament for Team USA, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor. He averaged 12 points per game while shooting an efficient 59% from the field, consistently using his quickness and explosiveness to attack the rim. A dynamic athlete, Page stood out for his ability to finish through contact and above the rim, throwing down multiple dunks throughout the event. His most impressive performance came in the opening game against Mexico, where he erupted for 25 points on just 12 shot attempts and went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, setting the tone for Team USA’s gold-medal run.
Beckham Black 6’2 170 PG -2027
Black, the younger brother of Orlando Magic point guard Anthony Black, made a strong impression during training camp and carried that momentum into the tournament in Mexico. Splitting point guard duties with Nasir Anderson, he consistently showcased his playmaking ability and court vision. A gifted ball-handler with a quick first step, Black excelled at breaking down defenses and creating opportunities for teammates. Despite being one of the smaller players on the floor, he’s a top-tier athlete with explosive leaping ability, finishing several plays above the rim. He averaged 6.7 points per game on 41% shooting, though he struggled from beyond the arc—hitting just 14.3% on 3.5 three-point attempts per game. Defensively, Black was a standout, using his speed and instincts to average 3.3 steals per game. He also ranked second in tournament history with 39 total assists (6.5 APG), cementing his status as one of the event’s top playmakers.
Erick Dampier Jr. 6’9 220 C -2028
Erick Dampier Jr., the son of former NBA center Erick Dampier, made a strong impression for Team USA as the only class of 2028 player to start games during the tournament. Ranked No. 3 overall and the top center in his class, Dampier provided a steady interior presence that anchored the team on both ends. While not a primary scoring option, his impact was undeniable—he averaged 7.7 points per game on an efficient 66.7% shooting, showcasing a polished low-post game with soft touch and a variety of moves around the rim. On defense, Dampier was a reliable rim protector and rebounder, averaging 6.7 boards and 1.3 blocks per game in just 17 minutes of action. His size, feel, and physical maturity stood out throughout the event, especially for a rising freshman.
International Prospects
Isaiah Hamilton 6’6 170 SF – 2009 (Canada)
Hamilton was named to the All-Tournament First Team after playing a pivotal role in Team Canada’s silver medal finish. One of the tournament’s top performers, he led all scorers for several games and ultimately finished second overall with an impressive 21.2 points per game on 50% shooting from the field. His standout performance came against Brazil, where he erupted for a tournament-high 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting. A dynamic athlete, Hamilton consistently attacked off the dribble with a quick first step and finished plays at and above the rim with explosive leaping ability. He also anchored Canada’s defense, leading the team with 6.2 rebounds and three steals per game, using his athleticism and anticipation to make plays on both ends. From the perimeter, he kept defenses honest by knocking down 36.4% of his 6.6 three-point attempts per game, showcasing consistent range and shot-making throughout the event.
Dwight Gaines 5’11 160 PG – 2009 (Puerto Rico)
Gaines was one of the breakout stars of the tournament in Mexico, serving as the offensive anchor for a Puerto Rico squad that finished fourth overall. He led all players in total scoring with 131 points, averaging 21.8 points per game on 44.1% shooting from the field. A confident perimeter shooter, Gaines connected on 38.7% of his three-point attempts while taking over 10 shots per game from beyond the arc, making him a constant threat from deep. He combined a quick first step with tight ball-handling to create scoring opportunities, both for himself and others, averaging 3.2 assists per contest. Despite being undersized, Gaines flashed impressive athleticism—consistently finishing at the rim through traffic, above the rim in transition, and showing no hesitation attacking bigger defenders. His dynamic offensive skill set made him one of the tournament’s most dangerous and consistent performers.
Julio Vasquez 6’3 190 SG -2009 (Venezuela)
Julio Vasquez was the clear standout for Venezuela during the tournament, helping lead his team to a bronze medal with a key victory over Puerto Rico. Venezuela ultimately finished fourth overall, with Vasquez serving as both the team’s leading scorer and defensive anchor. He averaged 15.5 points per game, despite shooting just 36.8% from the field and struggling from beyond the arc—hitting only 21.9% of his 5.3 three-point attempts per game. Still, his scoring instincts, toughness, and competitive drive were evident throughout the event. In addition to his scoring, he contributed 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, often taking on the toughest defensive assignments. His best showing came in the bronze medal game, where he delivered 20 points on just 11 shots and grabbed seven rebounds to help secure the win.
Malvin Duran 5’9 170 SG – 2009 (Dominican Republic)
Despite the Dominican Republic’s struggles in Mexico, shooting guard Malvin Duran emerged as one of the top international standouts of the tournament. He finished fourth in scoring overall, averaging 16.2 points per game while shooting 37.6% from the field. A confident perimeter threat, Duran knocked down 37.1% of his 5.8 three-point attempts per game and displayed a polished offensive skill set. He scored at all three levels—attacking the basket through contact, hitting pull-up threes in transition, and showing poise under pressure. On the defensive end, Duran was a bright spot for his team, leading the Dominican Republic with more than 2.3 steals per game and turning turnovers into fast-break points.
Lucas Moro 6’5 180 SF – 2009 (Brazil)
Lucas Moro served as the clear leader for Team Brazil in Mexico, standing out as the only player on the roster to average double figures in scoring. He posted 14.7 points per game across six contests, showcasing his offensive efficiency by shooting 42.7% from the field and 34.1% from three on 6.8 attempts per game. Moro brought valuable versatility on both ends of the floor, contributing just under five rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while guarding multiple positions. His best performance came in Brazil’s opening game against Puerto Rico, where he tallied 22 points and seven rebounds on 7-of-16 shooting in just 26 minutes.
Fernando Varallo 6’6 190 C – 2009 (Brazil)
Fernando Varallo anchored Brazil’s frontcourt in Mexico, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most effective interior players despite standing just 6’6″. Varallo led all players in rebounding, averaging a tournament-best 8.7 boards per game, along with 8.0 points on an efficient 50% shooting from the field. He took six shots per game and made the most of his touches around the basket, while his relentless motor made him a dominant presence on the glass—grabbing 5.0 defensive rebounds and 3.7 offensive rebounds per contest. His standout performance came against Argentina, where he posted 10 points on eight shot attempts and recorded a tournament-high 20 rebounds, showcasing his toughness and rebounding instincts.
Kevin Gutierrez 6’5 185 PF – 2009 (Venezuela)
Gutierrez played a key role in Venezuela’s bronze medal run, emerging as the team’s second-best performer and showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. He ranked second in scoring for Venezuela and 20th overall in the tournament, averaging 10.3 points per game on an efficient 58.8% shooting from the field. One of the top rebounders in the event, Gutierrez averaged 8.5 boards per game—including 1.7 on the offensive glass—using his strength, timing, and motor to dominate the interior. Defensively, he brought consistent energy and used his length to disrupt passing lanes, averaging 1.3 steals per contest. His best outing came in game four against the Dominican Republic, where he tallied 16 points and 11 rebounds on 14 shot attempts, helping power Venezuela to a critical win.
Brayner Pagan 6’7 200 C – 2009 (Dominican Republic)
Despite the Dominican Republic’s struggles in the tournament, Brayner Pagan emerged as a bright spot over the team’s six-game run. Standing at 6’7″, Pagan made his biggest impact on the defensive end, using his length and timing to anchor the interior. Offensively, he averaged 8.5 points per game on 42.1% shooting, providing solid production in the frontcourt. However, it was his rebounding and shot-blocking that truly stood out—Pagan averaged 7.2 rebounds per game and led the entire tournament in blocks with an impressive 2.7 per contest. His best performance came in the final game against Brazil, where he delivered 14 points, eight rebounds, and a tournament-high seven blocks, showcasing his ability to dominate the paint.
