Troy University has officially added Afonso Pacheco, a 6‑foot‑10 center from Brazil, to its 2026‑27 men’s basketball roster, a move that underscores the program’s expanding international footprint and its commitment to recruiting versatile talent.
Pacheco comes to Troy after a four‑year run in Brazil’s top professional league, the NBB, where he helped E.C. Pinheiros finish the 2025‑26 season with a 30‑8 record and a runner‑up finish. In that span he posted averages of 4.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while earning a reputation for efficiency, toughness and dominant rebounding.
Coach Howard Praises Pacheco's Attributes
Head coach Adam Howard highlighted Pacheco’s work ethic and defensive instincts, noting that the young center’s ability to control the boards and protect the paint aligns perfectly with the Trojans’ style of play.
Beyond the NBB, Pacheco spent four seasons in Brazil’s U22 league, where he consistently delivered double‑double performances and even recorded a career‑high 26 rebounds in a single game. That dominant showing helped his side capture the 2025 U22 Brazilian League championship with a 9‑1 record.
He also logged stints with São José Basketball in the NBB from 2022 to 2024, further honing his skills against elite competition. Troy’s athletic department believes that Pacheco’s blend of size, grit and proven success in high‑stakes environments will provide immediate depth and a defensive anchor for the upcoming season.