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About NBA Academy Latin America

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and La Loma Centro Deportivo (La Loma), a world-class athletic facility renowned for hosting top athletes from around the world, announced a multiyear partnership that makes La Loma the official home of NBA Academy Latin America, an elite basketball training program for top prospects from throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Canada.

La Loma’s state-of-the-art sports complex in San Luis Potosí features multiple basketball courts, a weight room, educational facilities, dining areas and housing that will be used by NBA Academy Latin America prospects and coaches beginning in January 2021.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with La Loma to continue developing the next generation of Latin American players and helping them reach their potential as players and leaders,” said Arnon de Mello, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, NBA Latin America. “La Loma’s premier sports complex will provide top prospects from across the region with the resources they need to develop on the court and in the classroom.”

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Coaching Staff

WALTER ROESE
Technical Director
As the technical director of NBA Academy Latin America, Walter Roese oversees all aspects of player development and coaching for top high school-age prospects from across the region. Prior to joining NBA Academy Latin America, Roese coached at several NCAA Division I colleges, including the University of Hawaii, University of Nebraska, University of San Diego and Brigham Young University. He also spent time as an international scout for the Utah Jazz. Roese, who is from Brazil, was the head coach of the Brazil Men’s National Team for three World University Games as well as South America and Copa America U19 tournaments. Roese also coached at several high-profile international basketball development events including Adidas Nations and The EuroLeague Basketball Adidas Next Generation. As a student-athlete, Roese played for the University of Houston, West Texas A&M University and Brigham Young University-Hawaii, where he graduated cum laude. He went on to play professionally in Brazil and for the Brazil National Team. Roese holds an MBA from BYU and speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish.
CHERIF DIALLO
Player Development Coach
Cherif is a Player Development Coach of the NBA Academy Latin America. He participates in the planning, implementing, and executing the NBA player development curriculum. Prior to becoming a coach with the NBA Academy, Cherif served at SEED Academy Senegal as head Coach and player development coach.

NBA Academy Latin America

Player Name Position Country of Origin Age Height
Iwo Baganc f Poland 18 6'7
Gabriel Ferreira f Brazil 19 6'8
Luis Finol g Colombia 18 6'1
Chouaybou Keita g/f Mali 19 6'4
Aymen Kraria g/f Scotland 18 6'7
Jeiminson Marquez f Venezuela 19 6'7
Roy Rojo g Mexico 16 6'0
Oscar Siquier g Spain 19 6'2
Tristan-James St. Louis c Canada 17 7'0
Michel Tadjo g Canada 18 6'1
Augusto Toledo Congalves f Brazil 18 6'6
Santiago Tricot f Uruguay 17 6'6