MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – The FIBA AmeriCup 2025 featured several players with NBA experience who left their marks with breathtaking plays on the hardwood.
From rotation players like José Alvarado and Kyshawn George to up-and-coming prospects like David Jones-García and Norchad Omier, fans in Nicaragua witnessed a showcase of athleticism and skill.
Here are some of the best moments:
JOSÉ ALVARADO (Puerto Rico and New Orleans Pelicans)
Alvarado led Puerto Rico to a 2-2 record and a Quarter-Final exit at the hands of Argentina. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Boricuas after an outstanding performance in the Group Stage, and because their leader had to leave the game after a hard fall.
Before the injury, Alvarado poured 25 points on 7-for-15 shooting from beyond the arc. The New Orleans Pelicans point guard had given Argentina a taste of his scoring chops in the very first play of the game:
DAVID JONES-GARCÍA (Dominican Republic and San Antonio Spurs)
Fresh off a standout NBA Summer League with San Antonio, Jones-García looked like an MVP candidate early in Nicaragua. He opened with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists against Colombia, then followed with a 20-9-5 line in an upset of Argentina.
His run ended abruptly with a two-game suspension, and the Dominicans bowed out against Brazil in the Quarter-Finals. Prior, he played a prominent role and is shaping up to be a key piece for years to come, especially when he’s capable of doing things like these:
KYSHAWN GEORGE (Canada and Washington Wizards)
George was a revelation for Canada, helping them start 4-0 before stumbling on the final weekend. The 21-year-old averaged 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists and was named to the All Star Five.
More importantly, after shooting 32.2 percent from beyond the arc during his NBA rookie season, the 21-year-old went 12-for-26 (46.2 percent) in Nicaragua. The outside shot looks clean, has plenty of range, and looks like a weapon he’ll look to deploy next season:
NORCHAD OMIER (Nicaragua and Cleveland Cavaliers)
Nicaragua couldn’t get their first AmeriCup win, but Omier left it all on the floor regardless. The 24-year-old averaged 22.3 points, 18.3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals and was a dominant force for the host country.
After a solid stint with the Cavaliers during the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Omier arrived in Managua hungry for more. He notched the first 30-point, 20-rebound game in the history of the 4 major continental tournaments and had Nicaragua ahead against Colombia throughout most of the game.
His blend of footwork and strength, as shown in this dunk, was on full display:
LEONARD MILLER (Canada and Minnesota Timberwolves)
The Timberwolves forward gave Canada another NBA boost, averaging 11.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a block per game. He was most comfortable playing as a big man, but flashed a developing handle and finishing package.
The 21-year-old excelled at driving to the basket and finishing with either hand. He also played great defense and was a force on the boards:
ISAIAH MOBLEY (Bahamas and Golden State Warriors)
Bahamas had a disappointing journey, finishing 0-3 in Group A and failing to advance to the Quarter-Finals. However, the addition of Isaiah Mobley was excellent news for the Caribbean nation’s future.
The 25-year-old power forward, who played Summer League for the Golden State Warriors, was a bright spot. He dropped an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double against the United States in his debut. He added 6 assists, a steal, and a block in a masterful performance that included a high-level drive and finish.
MAOZINHA PEREIRA (Brazil and Chicago Bulls)
After a very successful showing at the 2025 NBA Summer League with the Chicago Bulls (10 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on 48.5 percent from the field across four games), the young Brazilian forward had a smaller role on a stacked roster. Stuck behind veterans Lucas Dias, Guilherme Deodato, and Nathan Fernandes— Maozinha only played 20 minutes across the three Group Stage games and didn’t see the court during the playoff action.
The 25-year-old remains an important piece of the new Brazilian guard and will likely have a bigger role as the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers 2027 get underway.
FIBA