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Latinos and Latinas Taking Over March Madness: Meet the Players Representing in the NCAA
March Madness is upon us, bringing the thrilling buzzer-beaters, shocking upsets, and unforgettable moments we’ve come to expect. The NCAA Tournament is not just about school pride or filling out brackets but also a stage for showcasing the country’s top young basketball talent. This year’s tournament features a strong Latino representation, with players from all over Latin America making their mark in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
From rising stars with Dominican, Mexican, and Puerto Rican roots to international players from Argentina, Brazil, and Costa Rica, Latino talent is making waves on college basketball’s grandest stage. Let’s check out the players to keep an eye on during March Madness 2025!
Latinos in the NCAA Men’s Tournament
Arkansas Razorbacks
Johnuel “Boogie” Fland (of Dominican descent)
Melo Sánchez (of Mexican descent)
Auburn Tigers
Chad Baker-Mazara (born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
Baylor Bears
Norchad Omier (born in Bluefields, Nicaragua)
Bryant Bulldogs
Aaron Davis (of Puerto Rican descent)
Rafael “Rafa” Pinzón (Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico)
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Drake Bulldogs
Daniel Abreu (Puerto Rican descent)
Florida Gators
Isaiah Brown (Puerto Rican descent)
Kevin Pazmiño (Ecuadorian descent)
Kentucky Wildcats
Koby Brea (Dominican descent)
Liberty Flames
Owen Aquino (Dominican descent)
Lipscomb Bisons
Ross Candelino (Mexican descent)
Marquette Golden Eagles
Tre Norman (Puerto Rican descent)
Maryland Terrapins
Jordan Geronimo (Dominican descent)
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McNeese Cowboys
Erik Villarreal (Mexican descent)
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Ramses “RJ” Meléndez (Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico)
Missouri Tigers
Jeremy Sánchez
Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers
Elijah “Espo” Espinosa (Puerto Rican descent)
Carmelo “Melo” Pacheco (Puerto Rican descent)
Ole Miss Rebels
Eduardo Klafke (Born in Franca, São Paulo, Brazil)
Purdue Boilermakers
GiCarri Harris (Dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico)
San Diego State Aztecs
Desai Lopez
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Cougars
Eddiean Tirado (Puerto Rican descent)
St. John’s Red Storm
Jaiden Glover-Toscano (Puerto Rican descent)
RJ Luis Jr. (Dominican and Ecuadorian descent)
Texas A&M Aggies
Andersson “Andy” Garcia (Born in Moca, Dominican Republic)
Tennessee Volunteers
Zakai “Kai” Zeigler (Puerto Rican descent)
Troy Trojans
Víctor Valdés (Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico)
UC San Diego Tritons
Ryder Elisaldez (Mexican descent)
Máximo Milovich (Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Utah State Aggies
Ian Martínez (Born in Heredia, Costa Rica)
Vanderbilt Commodores
Chris Mañon (Dominican descent)
VCU Rams
Christian Fermin (Dominican descent)
Latinas in the NCAA Women’s Tournament
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Fairfield Stags
Izabela Nicoletti Leite (Born in Americana, São Paulo, Brazil)
FGCU Eagles
Maca Retamales (Born in Santiago, Chile)
FSU Seminoles
Morelia Chávez (Born in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico)
Raiane Dias Dos Santos (Born in São Paulo, Brazil)
Mariana Valenzuela (Born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico)
Grand Canyon Lopes
Alyssa Durazo-Frescas (Mexican descent)
Trinity San Antonio (Puerto Rican descent)
Illinois Fighting Illini
Lety Vasconcelos (Born in Miguel Calmon, Bahia, Brazil) (Injured)
LSU Lady Tigers
Aalyah del Rosario (Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs
Rocío Jiménez (Born in Elías Piña, Dominican Republic)
Montana State Bobcats
Esmeralda Morales (Mexican descent)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Hannah Hidalgo (Puerto Rican descent)
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Ole Miss Rebels
Heloisa Carrera (Born in São Paulo, Brazil)
Oregon State Beavers
Catarina Ferreira (Born in São Paulo, Brazil)
Susana Yepes (Born in Medellín, Colombia)
Richmond Spiders
Alyssa Jimenez
San Diego State Aztecs
Natalia “Nat” Martinez (Mexican descent)
Adryana Quezada (Puerto Rican descent)
Kim Villalobos (Salvadoran descent)
Trinity Zamora
UCLA Bruins
Gabriela Jaquez (Mexican descent)
USF Bulls
Jeniffer Silva (Born in Recife, Brazil)
As March Madness 2025 kicks off, Latino players are making an impact across the NCAA. Whether they’re future NBA and WNBA stars, underdogs looking to prove themselves, or international players representing their countries, the influence of Latin American talent in college basketball is undeniable.
From Puerto Rico to Argentina, Mexico to the Dominican Republic, and beyond, these athletes are bringing skill, passion, and pride to the tournament. As the madness unfolds, keep an eye on these players since they might just be the ones leading their teams to the Final Four. ¡Vamos, Latinos en la NCAA!
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