Italian Basketball Talent Floods NCAA, Signaling a New Era for College Hoops
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A surge of Italian players are making their mark on the American college basketball scene, with a record 22 athletes competing in Division I programs this season. This influx represents a growing trend of European players seeking to develop their skills and pursue opportunities in the United States, fueled by the prestige and exposure of March Madness.
The 2025-2026 NCAA season has begun with “the usual bombastic energy,” according to observers, as 350 teams vie for the national championship. But beyond the competition, a compelling narrative is unfolding: the increasing prominence of Italian basketball on American soil. These athletes carry with them “expectations, dreams, desires and hopes of those who want to make it big while always keeping Italy in their hearts and, why not, also the Azzurra shirt.”
Rising Stars Make Immediate Impact
Leonardo Bettiola, a 6’9” big man from Treviso, is already turning heads for the Massachusetts Minutemen. Despite a 78-72 loss to Marshall in their home opener at the Mullins Center, Bettiola showcased his potential with a strong performance, logging 28 minutes as a starter and contributing 15 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field, along with 5-of-9 from the free-throw line and 5 rebounds. His journey to Massachusetts included four seasons at Abilene Christian in Texas, demonstrating a commitment to honing his craft.
Another highly anticipated Italian prospect is Lady Sarr, a former Barcelona player now suiting up for Duke’s Blue Devils. Sarr, already attracting attention from NBA scouts, debuted with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals in a 75-60 loss to Texas. His arrival at Duke signals a significant step in his development and a potential pathway to professional success.
Italian Derbies and Emerging Talent
The early season also featured an “Italian derby” between St. Bonaventure and Bradley, with St. Bonaventure emerging victorious. Achille Lonati and Andrew Osasuyi contributed 3 points and 4 rebounds respectively for the Bonnies, while Timothy Van der Knapp scored 4 points for Bradley. This matchup highlighted the growing presence of Italian players across various programs.
Beyond the established names, several other Italian athletes are making their collegiate debuts. Alfredo Addesa, a 2004 graduate of the Olimpia Milano school, scored 3 points in 17 minutes for Lehigh University in a loss to Houston. Giovanni Emejuru, an Anglo-Italian center, impressed with 17 points and 9 rebounds in East Carolina’s win over Georgia Southern. Stefano Faloppa, a senior, played 26 minutes and grabbed 2 rebounds in a loss for his team against UConn.
Seasoned Veterans and Promising Freshmen
Several returning players are also poised for strong seasons. Riccardo Greppi is entering his second year at Wisconsin, while Emmanuel Innocenti, a Bergamo native with a decorated youth career, is looking to make an impact at Gonzaga after a year at Tarleton State. Innocenti started in the Bulldogs’ dominant victory over Texas Southern, contributing 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal in 18 minutes.
The stories of David James and Niccolo Moretti exemplify the diverse paths Italian players are taking to reach the NCAA. James, whose journey has been described as a “fairy tale,” scored 8 points in his debut for Central Connecticut State. Moretti, the son of Paul and brother of David, added 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists for Florida Atlantic.
Rounding out the early season highlights are contributions from Matteo Porto (2 points for Fresno State), and Davide Poser (3 rebounds for the College of New Hampshire). These players, along with their Italian counterparts, are collectively raising the profile of Italian basketball within the American collegiate system.
The growing number of Italian players in the NCAA represents a significant shift in the landscape of college basketball, promising a new era of international talent and competition.
