South American U18 Championship 2022/23

FIBA U17 South American Championship for Men is the premier continental competition for male national teams under the age of 17 in South America. Organised by FIBA, formerly known as FIBA Americas, the tournament traces its origins to 1994, when the inaugural edition was held in Oruro, Bolivia. Before 2005, the event was contested by players under 18, after which it aligned with FIBA’s global calendar and shifted to the U17 category.

The current format involves eight national teams split into two groups of four. The top two sides from each group progress to a final quadrangular knockout stage, which determines the champion. Argentina stands as the most successful nation in the men’s tournament, having claimed nine titles, including victories in 1994, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2023. Brazil follows with four titles, won in 1998, 2011, 2017 and 2022. Chile secured one title in 2017, while Uruguay won in 1982 during the previous U18 era.

The winners and runners-up earn qualification for the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, the broader continental championship for the Americas. This placement serves as the primary pathway for South American youth teams to reach the global FIBA U17 World Cup. The competition focuses on player development for the next generation of international stars, distinct from senior national team contests. There is no promotion or relegation system within the youth age groups.

In the 2022 season, the participating nations included Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador. The tournament continues to highlight emerging talent across the continent, providing a structured environment for young athletes to compete at a high level before transitioning to senior international basketball.