We are thrilled when our Academy prospects receive international call-ups and recognition as members of their respective national teams in FIBA ​​tournaments.

Juanma Castillo and Diego Soto had outstanding performances with their Ecuadorian and Venezuelan national teams, respectively, in the recently concluded 2025 FIBA ​​U-17 South American Championship, held in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.

Castillo, the current point guard for Junior A, had a very strong individual performance, even though the results of his team did not reflect that on success. Born in 2009, he was the tenth-highest scorer in the tournament, averaging 12.2 points per game. His standout performances included two games with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists against Argentina in the group stage, as well as 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists against Colombia in the final game for the reclassification round.

The Ecuadorian has led the tournament in assists, with 4.8 per game, in his second FIBA ​​appearance with his national team after a remarkable performance at the South American U-15 Championship a year ago.

Meanwhile, Diego Soto and Venezuela secured the bronze medal after defeating Uruguay yesterday, thus guaranteeing their qualification for the 2026 FIBA ​​AmeriCup, at a venue of which is yet to be determined. This is the fourth podium finish in the last five youth tournaments for the Venezuelan national teams, and also for Soto, the second medal after the silver medal he won in Valledupar, Colombia, at the 2023 South American U-17 Championship.

The Venezuelan 2008-born point guard, a junior last season, averaged 3.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.8 steals as a super-sub for the Venezuelans in less than ten minutes per game. He was a key part of the success of his squad.

Congratulations to both of you, from Torrejón de Ardoz! Thank you for the postcard.