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Yanick Moreira
Yanick Moreira
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Yanick Pires Moreira (born July 31, 1991) is an Angolan professional basketball player who plays for Petro de Luanda of the Angolan Basketball League and the Basketball Africa League (BAL). He played two seasons of college basketball for the SMU Mustangs.

Key Information

Early life and college career

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From 2008 to 2011, Moreira played for Primeiro de Agosto of the Angolan League before moving to the United States to attend South Plains College. After playing two seasons with South Plains, he transferred to Southern Methodist University where he graduated in 2015.[1] Moreira was called for goaltending on a three-point field goal by Bryce Alford, in the closing seconds of the Mustangs' second-round game of the 2015 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament against UCLA. Moreira took responsibility for the loss, saying "It's all my fault. I should have let the ball hit the rim. I shouldn't have made that mistake as a senior."[2]

Professional career

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After going undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft, Moreira joined the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2015 NBA Summer League.[3] In September 2015, he was ruled out for four to six weeks with a minor ligament tear in his left foot.[4] On November 29, 2015, he signed with Rouen Métropole Basket of the French LNB Pro A.[5] In April 2016, he left Rouen and signed with Angolan club Petro de Luanda. He was later loaned to Spanish club UCAM Murcia for the rest of the 2015–16 ACB season.[6][7]

In July 2016, Moreira joined the Toronto Raptors for the 2016 NBA Summer League. On August 11, 2016, he signed with the Raptors,[8] but was waived on October 22, 2016, after appearing in one preseason game.[9] On October 30, 2016, he was acquired by Raptors 905 of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of Toronto.[10] On May 3, 2017, he signed with Sanat Naft Abadan of the Iranian Super League.[11]

On July 13, 2017, Moreira signed with Russian club Parma for the 2017–18 season.[12] He averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds per game in the VTB league. On August 5, 2018, Moreira joined the Greek club PAOK.[13] Moreira spent the 2019–20 season with Peristeri and averaged 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

He signed with AEK Athens on June 18, 2020.[14] He was voted as the MVP of the month for November in the Basketball Champions League after averaging 17.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.[15] Overall, Moreira averaged 13 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 assists throughout the 2020-21 campaign with AEK.[citation needed]

On July 28, 2021, Moreira officially returned to Peristeri.[16] On January 3, 2022, he parted ways once again with the club. During his second stint, Moreira averaged 7 points and 4.5 rebounds, playing only 15 minutes per game.

On March 14, 2022, Moreira returned to Angola, signing with Petro de Luanda of the Angolan Basketball League.[17] In Petro's BAL Season 2 campaign, he averaged 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game coming off the bench and helped the team reach the 2022 BAL Finals.[18] In the final, Moreira scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, however, US Monastir was able to hold off Petro and win their first BAL championship.[19]

On September 20, 2022, Moreira signed with Greek Basket League club Kolossos Rodou.[20] In 26 games, he averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1 assist, playing around 19 minutes per contest.[citation needed]

On December 5, 2023, Moreira returned to Petro de Luanda for a second stint.[21] They won their first BAL championship on June 1, 2024, following a win in the final over Al Ahly Ly. Moreira contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds in the final victory.[22]

National team career

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Moreira has been a regular member of the Angola national basketball team since 2010, having competed at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[23] At the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Moreira scored a tournament-high and career-high 38 points, along with 15 rebounds, in an 83–91 win against Australia.[24]

References

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from Grokipedia
Yanick Moreira is an Angolan professional player who primarily plays as a center, standing at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) tall. Born on July 31, 1991, in , , he has built a career spanning in the United States, brief involvement with the (NBA), and prominent international representation for . Moreira's basketball journey began in Angola before he moved to the United States in 2011 to attend South Plains College in Texas, where he played as a freshman. He later transferred to Southern Methodist University (SMU), contributing significantly during his senior year in 2014–15 by starting all 34 games and averaging 11.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, helping the Mustangs reach the NCAA Tournament. Undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft, he signed a contract with the Toronto Raptors in August 2016 but was waived before the season began, leading him to play in the NBA G League for the Raptors 905. His professional career has since included stints in various international leagues, such as with Hapoel Afula in Israel and Atlético Petróleos de Luanda in Angola's top division, where he has maintained solid production, including averages of 8.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the 2024–25 season. On the international stage, Moreira has been a key figure for the national team since his senior debut in , participating in multiple tournaments. He competed in the Basketball World Cups of and 2019, where he averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in , and 12.0 points and 8.6 rebounds in 2019. Additionally, he featured in events in 2015 and 2017, as well as the 2021 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, showcasing his rebounding prowess and efficiency, with a career-high efficiency rating of 45 in a World Cup game. These performances have solidified his role as one of 's most reliable big men in African and global competitions, though he has not appeared for the senior team since 2021 and remained available as of June 2025.

Early life and college career

Early life

Yanick Moreira was born on July 31, 1991, in , , to Angolan parents. Growing up in the capital city, he was immersed in a vibrant yet resource-constrained sports environment, where held significant cultural importance as Angola's most popular sport. Moreira developed his passion for basketball during his youth by watching Angola's national team, known as the Palancas Negras, compete in the tournament held in . This exposure inspired him to begin playing the game through local youth initiatives, where he was influenced by the dominant winning culture of prominent Angolan club Primeiro de Agosto. Early on, he encountered challenges typical of 's basketball scene, including limited access to facilities and equipment amid economic constraints. His family initially expressed skepticism toward his basketball pursuits, emphasizing the importance of formal and securing a degree over sports. However, their support grew after witnessing his performances with the national team, marking a pivotal shift in their encouragement of his athletic development.

College career

Moreira began his college basketball career at South Plains College in , from 2011 to 2013. As a in the 2011–12 season, he averaged 12.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, earning honorable mention All-American, WJCAC All-Conference, and All-Region 5 honors while contributing to the Texans' undefeated 36–0 record and their 2012 NJCAA Division I , where he was named tournament MVP. In his sophomore year (2012–13), Moreira averaged 17.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game over 24 games played, earning second-team NJCAA Division I All-American honors while helping the team achieve a 22–8 record and a No. 1 national ranking. After two standout seasons at South Plains, Moreira transferred to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2013. His junior year (2013–14) was limited by a knee injury, appearing in 23 games (starting 14) and averaging 6.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game. In his senior season (2014–15), Moreira became a starter for all 34 games, posting career-high averages of 11.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 55.0% from the field. He ranked sixth in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in rebounding and fourth in field-goal percentage, recording six double-doubles, including a 13-point, 13-rebound performance against Tulsa. His efforts earned him AAC Second Team honors, AAC Most Improved Player, AAC Player of the Week (December 20, 2014), and NABC All-District Second Team recognition. At SMU, Moreira played a key role in the Mustangs' 27–7 season and AAC regular-season championship in 2014–15, anchoring the frontcourt with strong interior defense and rebounding during conference play. A highlight came in the NCAA Tournament first round against UCLA on March 19, 2015, where, with SMU leading 59–57 and 13 seconds remaining, Moreira was called for goaltending on Bryce Alford's three-point attempt, awarding UCLA two points for a 60–59 victory and eliminating the Mustangs. Moreira graduated from SMU in 2015 with a degree in Spanish and Applied and Sports Management.

Professional career

Early professional years (2015–2017)

Yanick Moreira began his professional career in his native with Primeiro de Agosto, joining the senior team in 2008 at the age of 17 after progressing through the club's youth ranks. He remained with the team through 2011, gaining experience in the Angolan Basketball League (BIC Basket) during his formative years before moving to the for . Following his college tenure at , Moreira secured his first European contract with Rouen Métropole Basket of 's LNB Pro A on November 29, 2015. In limited action during the 2015–16 season, he appeared in 4 games, averaging 11.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while logging 27.5 minutes per contest, showcasing his potential as a rim protector and scorer in the paint. His stint in was brief, as he departed the team in early 2016 amid roster adjustments. In April 2016, Moreira joined UCAM Murcia on loan in Spain's Liga ACB, providing frontcourt depth for the playoff push. Over 7 regular-season games, he averaged 5.9 points and 4.1 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game, contributing efficiently with a 53.6% field goal percentage in a competitive environment that tested his adaptability to European play styles. Later that summer, Moreira earned an invitation to the Toronto Raptors' 2016 NBA preseason, where he appeared in one game against San Lorenzo de Almagro, recording 2 rebounds in 5 minutes before being waived on October 22. He then signed with the Raptors' NBA G League affiliate, Raptors 905, for the 2016–17 season. In 48 regular-season games, Moreira averaged 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 18.9 minutes per game, helping the team secure the G League championship while establishing himself as a reliable big man. Seeking further opportunities abroad, Moreira signed with Sanat Naft Abadan of 's Basketball Super League on May 3, 2017, replacing center Ryan Richards and bolstering the team's postseason aspirations in a league known for its physicality and international talent. His time in marked a transitional phase, featuring key contributions in high-stakes games during the before moving on to European competitions later that year.

European career (2017–2023)

In 2017, Moreira signed with Basket in the , where he appeared in 22 games during the 2017–18 season, averaging 9.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 50.7% from two-point range. The following year, he moved to in the Greek Basket League for the 2018–19 season, contributing in 18 games with averages of 9.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. In 2019, Moreira had a brief stint with in the Italian , playing 14 games and averaging 8.4 points on 58.8% two-point shooting, while also participating in the EuroCup. He then joined Athens for the 2019–20 Greek Basket League season, where he averaged 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, leading the team in rebounding and recording a season-high of 12 rebounds in one contest. After a season elsewhere, Moreira returned to for 2021–22, appearing in 9 games with averages of 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. During the 2020–21 season with AEK in the Greek Basket League, Moreira averaged 13.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game across 17 appearances. In the , he earned MVP honors for November 2020 after averaging 17.7 points and 6.3 rebounds on 72.4% shooting over four games that month. In 2022, Moreira signed with Kolossos Rodou for the Greek Basket League's 2022–23 season, playing 26 games and averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per contest; the team reached the , where they were swept by Panathinaikos in the quarterfinals. Later that year, he briefly joined Hapoel in the Israeli Winner League, appearing in one game with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block.

Return to Angola (2022–present)

In 2022, Moreira returned to on a temporary basis to join Petro de for the (BAL) season, while maintaining his professional commitments with in the Greek league and . This overlap allowed him to contribute significantly to Petro's campaign, helping the team advance to the BAL Finals for the first time. In the final against US Monastir, Moreira scored 18 points before fouling out late in the game, alongside 7 rebounds, though Petro fell short in an 83-72 loss. Following the conclusion of his European stint, Moreira committed full-time to Petro de starting in the 2023–24 season, bolstering the team's frontcourt in both the Angolan League (also known as Unitel Basket) and the BAL. His integration marked a that leveraged his international experience to anchor Petro's title pursuits on the continent. In the domestic league, Moreira averaged 12.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 30 games, shooting 64.6% from two-point range, as Petro secured the 2023–24 Angolan League championship by defeating Interclube 3–1 in . Moreira's impact extended to the BAL, where he played a key role in Petro's historic 2024 championship victory, their first since 2015 and the first for an Angolan club in the league's . In the final against Al Ahly Ly, which Petro won 107–94, Moreira recorded 12 points and 7 rebounds, contributing to the team's dominant rebounding edge of 48–32 and bench production that outscored their opponents 51–27. The triumph solidified Petro's status as a continental powerhouse and earned them a spot in the . In September 2024, Moreira averaged 10 points and 5.7 rebounds over three games as Petro finished fifth in the tournament in . Entering , Moreira continued as a for Petro amid preparations for the BAL qualifiers, while the team defended their domestic dominance. In the BAL season, he remained a reliable presence in the paint, exemplified by a 15-point, 5-rebound performance against US Monastir in the quarterfinals on June 9. Petro advanced to for the third time in four seasons but lost 88–67 to Al Ahli Tripoli on June 14, marking Libya's first BAL title. Through November , Moreira's steady contributions have supported Petro's ongoing campaigns in the Angolan League and international qualifiers, enhancing their bid for back-to-back BAL contention.

National team career

Senior debut and early appearances

Yanick Moreira's international journey with began in the junior ranks, where his performances caught the attention of national team selectors. In 2008, at the age of 17, he made his debut for Angola's U18 team at the FIBA Africa U18 Championship for Men in , appearing in two games as a reserve player and contributing modestly with averages of 1.5 rebounds per game. The following year, Moreira stepped up for the U19 squad at the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship in , , where he played in all four games, averaging 5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per contest while posting an efficiency rating of 8.5. These outings highlighted his potential as a rebounding big man, paving the way for considerations in senior team activities despite his ongoing development in the United States. Transitioning to the senior level, Moreira earned spots in preliminary training camps during the early , reflecting growing interest from coaches amid Angola's dominance in African . In 2012, he was included in the preliminary squad for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament but did not advance to the final roster, as the team prioritized more experienced players. A similar pattern emerged in 2013 ahead of the FIBA Africa Championship () in , , where Moreira again joined the extended training group; however, academic obligations at led to his exclusion from the traveling team, limiting him to off-court preparation roles. These near-misses built anticipation for his eventual integration, culminating in his senior call-up for the 2014 FIBA World Cup qualifiers and tournament.

Major international tournaments

Moreira made his mark in the , where he averaged 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 20.2 in efficiency rating across five games for , who finished third in Group D with a 3-2 record but did not advance to the knockout stage. His standout performance came against , scoring a career-high 38 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in an 91-83 upset victory that highlighted Angola's competitive group stage showing. Angola's wins included decisive victories over (86-54) and (80-69), alongside losses to (75-62) and (77-63). In the 2015 FIBA AfroBasket, Moreira contributed significantly to Angola's finish, averaging 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds over seven games as the team pursued their 12th continental title. Angola advanced from the group stage to the quarterfinals, defeating before beating in the semifinals, only to fall to 74-65 in the final, marking their first runner-up position since 2005. Moreira's efforts underscored Angola's strong medal pursuit despite the championship defeat. Moreira appeared in four games at the 2017 , averaging 6.5 points and 5.3 rebounds as aimed to reclaim continental dominance but exited in the quarterfinals with a loss to . The team finished outside the medals, reflecting a transitional phase in their pursuit of further success. He did not participate in the 2021 , where placed seventh after group stage challenges. At the in , Moreira played in five games, averaging 12.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, as went 1-4 in Group B and did not advance. Moreira's last appearance for came on June 30, 2021, during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in , where he averaged 21 points and 6.5 rebounds over two games. His availability was confirmed for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket as of June 2025, but he did not participate as captured the title—their first since 2013—defeating 70-43 in the final. Across his FIBA senior national team career spanning 35 games in major tournaments, Moreira maintained averages of approximately 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game, establishing him as a key interior presence for in high-stakes international play.

Playing style and achievements

Playing style

Yanick Moreira primarily plays as a /center, measuring 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, which allows him to operate effectively in both the post and on the perimeter for a big man. He is characterized as a fluid and mobile athlete with solid court-running ability, though he lacks elite explosiveness or leaping ability, making him more of a finesse player than a dominant physical force. Moreira's offensive strengths lie in his post scoring versatility, particularly through jump shots and face-up moves, where he employs a reliable turnaround jumper, quick set shots from 15 feet, and running hooks with both hands for a delicate touch inside the arc. He also excels as an interior passer and pick-and-roll threat, facilitating plays smoothly for teammates while maintaining a polished presence in half-court sets. Defensively, he contributes as a rebounder, averaging approximately 6 to 7 rebounds per game across his professional career, including 6.3 in the and 7.1 in FIBA senior national team competitions, and as a paint protector with active shot-blocking tendencies, though his block averages hover around 0.5 to 1.2 per game depending on the league. Among his weaknesses, Moreira struggles with establishing deep post position due to limited upper-body strength against stronger opponents, and he has no reliable shooting range beyond the mid-range area. His free-throw shooting is inconsistent, often hampered by a line-drive motion that reduces accuracy under pressure. These limitations can make him vulnerable in physical matchups or when defenses force him outside his comfort zone. Over his career, Moreira has evolved from a raw college prospect into a more aware and pace-adjusted professional, particularly improving his passing vision and overall feel for the game's tempo during his senior year at and into his pro stints. In international play, such as the 2014 FIBA World Cup where he posted 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, he demonstrated his ability to impact games with rebounding and interior presence.

Awards and honors

During his college career at College and (SMU), Moreira earned several accolades. In 2011–12 at , he was named to the NJCAA Division I First Team All-American and MVP of the national tournament. At SMU in 2014–15, he received the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Most Improved Player award, second-team All-AAC honors, AAC All-Tournament Team selection, and NABC All-District 25 Second Team recognition. He also earned AAC Honor Roll mention in 2014. In his professional club career, Moreira has contributed to multiple team championships. With in the during the 2016–17 season, he helped the team win the league title. Playing for in Italy's , he was part of the squad that captured the 2019 FIBA Basketball Champions League championship. Returning to with Petro de Luanda, Moreira won the Angolan Basketball League titles in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2022, and the (BAL) championship in 2024, where Petro defeated Al Ahly 107–94 in the final; the team were runners-up in the 2025 BAL. On an individual level, Moreira was named MVP of the Month for in the 2020–21 FIBA Basketball Champions League while with AEK , averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds over four games to help the team go 4–0. With the national team, Moreira has been a standout performer in major tournaments. At the , he led with tournament averages of 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, including a 38-point, 15-rebound performance against . earned silver medals at the 2015 FIBA AfroBasket and bronze at the 2017 edition, where Moreira contributed significantly as a key frontcourt player. He also competed in the , averaging 12.0 points and 8.6 rebounds, and the 2021 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, showcasing his rebounding prowess and efficiency, with a career-high efficiency rating of 45 in a 2014 World Cup game. These performances have solidified his role as one of 's most reliable big men in African and global competitions. Throughout his professional career spanning the , European leagues, and African competitions, Moreira has maintained solid statistical production, averaging around 10 points and 6 rebounds per game across more than 300 appearances.

References

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