Every Belizean youth who falls in love with our beautiful game eventually dreams of playing basketball at the next level. As they grow and shine within our local basketball scene, their dreams soon turn their gaze beyond our borders. Despite the odds stacked against them, a few of our best homegrown players have made that dream a reality, and now, they are poised to change the very landscape of basketball in Belize.

National High School MVP Arik Nicholas is one of those players. Hailing from the often-overlooked southernmost district, Nicholas spent years refining his game at the University of Antelope Valley. With numerous accomplishments to his name, including the NAIA’s Cal Pac Freshman of the Year and an NAIA Final Four appearance, Nicholas has had the opportunity to assimilate the habits of a truly world-class basketball player. When asked how his time playing college basketball in the U.S. has developed him, Nicholas highlights a deeper understanding of what it means to play winning basketball. He emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of understanding both the system and your opponent.

Alex Ariola is another National High School MVP about to make his professional debut in Belize. Ariola already possessed a particularly refined skillset before leaving Belizean shores, pairing solid ball-handling and shooting with excellent size. Reflecting on his development, Ariola spoke about how much he has grown in his understanding of the game and how critical that deeper vision will be in putting himself and his teammates in position to succeed. Fresh off an ACAA championship victory, Ariola will undoubtedly bring that winning mentality to the BPBL.

2-Time NCISAA 4A Conference Champion Nisani Mendez, the youngest of the bunch, is also making his international debut while keeping his college eligibility. Announced as a “Hometown Hero” by the Capital City Kings, the team he will play for in the BPBL, Nisani is an athletic combo guard whom, people from the Belmopan community would confirm, was a hidden gem. Mendez spoke about how important it is to him to use his first international season to develop. Making sure that he can contribute as much as possible in any way that his team needs him; and finding weaknesses to strengthen as he gets ready to play JUCO in the U.S. next semester. Nisani expresses how much he wants to win, keeping an open mind on his new role on a new franchise.

Before leaving for the Highland Cougars, Jaheim Ciego personified the best of Belize’s young athletes: raw, explosive, and fiercely passionate. Ciego first made his name in smaller competitions nationwide before bursting onto the elite basketball scene as one of the most impactful young players. Standing 6’7” with impressive bounce, he quickly became a fan favorite — a thrilling combination of athleticism and untapped potential. Given the chance to reflect on his experience abroad, Ciego was particularly impressive. He spoke about the importance of chemistry, consistency, and professionalism, and how critical those qualities are to overall performance. The maturity in his words strikes a sharp contrast with the jovial smile of the explosive, lanky youth who once left Belize to chase his dreams. Today, Ciego returns with the perspective of a leader.

For years, professional basketball in Belize has been dominated by foreign faces. Meanwhile, many of our brightest young stars were being forged in the fire of North American college basketball. As veteran players here fought valiantly to compete, and younger players were often pushed aside and told simply to watch and learn, these few were learning what it truly means to be world-class: the discipline, the consistency, the perspective, and the maturity required to excel at the highest level.

Now, as the BPBL charts its newest chapter, our homegrown talents return not just to participate, but to lead.

It is truly exciting to see that in this latest chapter of Belizean basketball, our Belizeans are the brightest stars.