This FIBA AmeriCup was to earn the three berths allocated to the Americas for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

The United States did not participate in the tournament, as the team had already been awarded a berth in the Olympics.

Brazil defeated Puerto Rico in the final to win the tournament.

[1] Canada beat Uruguay in the third place game to claim the final Olympic berth.

Eight teams qualified during the qualification tournaments held in their respective zones in 1987; Canada qualified automatically since they are one of only two members of the North America zone.