Source: Unsplash

Which Latin American Youngsters Are Set to Be Selected in This Summer's NBA Draft?

The 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder is currently on a knife-edge, with the heavily favored OKC leading by just one game through five. However, once the location of the Larry O'Brien has finally been determined, all eyes will be on this summer's draft, a draft that belongs to the Dallas Mavericks.

Flagg Day

Many feared for the future of the Lone Star state outfit when they inexplicably traded star player and face of the franchise Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Receiving Anthony Davis in return was peanuts to many of the Mavs faithful, but they were soon handed a lifeline as their side won the draft lottery with just a 1.8% chance.

Now, online betting sites like Bovada think they are poised and ready to select Duke Blue Devils sensation Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old prodigy has been earmarked as a mightily short -50000 favorite by establishments such as Bovada to be selected at the top of the board. Those odds look highly attractive to many.

But while the upcoming draft will go down in history as "Flagg Day," plenty of Latin American stars are hoping that they will be given an opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest stage next term. So, which players are in contention to be drafted this summer? Let's find out.

RJ Luis Jr.

RJ Luis Jr. has been turning heads throughout his collegiate career at St. John’s. The 6’6” shooting guard/small forward is certainly considered hot property and is projected to go in the late first to early second round, The American-born Ecuadorian-Dominican is the kind of player who can light up a game in multiple ways, either slashing to the rim, hitting pull-up jumpers, or racing coast-to-coast on the fast break.

Coaches are quick to point out his dedication, and while his 3-point shooting and defensive abilities are still developing, the raw potential is all there. With the right guidance, he has the tools to become a two-way force in the league. Both Miami and Toronto have successfully managed to refine such talents in recent years, and both could be ideal destinations for the 22-year-old.

Luis has received plenty of accolades this season after a stellar junior year. He dropped 21 points on Seton Hall to help his side claim the Big East championship this year, and he was duly rewarded with both the conference's Player of the Year and the Haggerty awards, among others. He will be hoping and praying that is enough to secure him a first-round selection and the bumper contract it brings with it.

David Jones

Standing tall at 6’6”, David Jones from the Dominican Republic brings a unique mix of skill and intensity as a small forward. He turned pro after dominating throughout his collegiate career that spanned across three different schools, namely DePaul, St. John's, and finally, a senior year in Memphis. He dropped the first triple-double in history for the former of that trio back in 2022, but despite all his potential, he still went undrafted last year.

Fast forward 12 months, and Jones is back in contention once again. After missing out on selection in 2024, he transitioned to the Mexico City Capitanes in the G League, and that move has only elevated his profile. The 23-year-old secured a spot on the All-Rookie Team last season, proving he’s more than ready for the next step.

The Dominican powerhouse is a force on both ends of the court. His scoring touch keeps defenders honest, while his tenacity is what sets him apart from other would-be pros. He’s developed a knack for reading the game and always seems to correctly position himself to make the right play, whether it’s a big shot or a lockdown defensive stop.

Eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft, both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz half-heartedly gave him a shot, signing him to a two-way deal before waiving him shortly thereafter. Will he finally get his long-awaited and much-deserved opportunity this summer? Only time will tell.

Gael Bonilla

Mexico’s Gael Bonilla has risen through the ranks to become one of his country’s most promising young players in years. The 6’8” shooting guard has had a whirlwind career so far.

He was given his first opportunity playing with FC Barcelona Bàsquet before bouncing around numerous Mexican sides in the years since. He has also appeared for the Mexico national team, leading them to a silver medal at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Last year, he joined Diablos Rojos del México and would embark upon a breakout year, winning the LNBP Rookie of the Year award. He then joined Ángeles de la Ciudad de México back in February and has showcased his talents in the CIBACOPA league ever since. But just because of his unorthodox route to the top, don't write Bonilla off just yet.

The 22-year-old brings plenty of height and length to the guard position. His court sense, combined with his previous international experience, makes him a fascinating prospect, especially considering his big-game experience thus far. Draft-eligible in 2025, Bonilla carries the hopes of a nation eager to see more Mexican players excel at the highest level, and he could well pave the way for many more to come.