Famous Italian Basketball Players

Nico Mannion is a professional basketball player for Pallacanestro Varese in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A. He transitioned to the professional ranks after playing college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. Mannion's talent was evident during his high school days in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a highly sought-after recruit. Despite his American upbringing, Mannion competes internationally for Italy. Known for his skills as a point guard, Mannion has quickly made a name for himself in the professional basketball world with his impressive performances on the court.

Danilo Gallinari is an Italian professional basketball player who has had a successful career in the NBA. He was drafted sixth overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the New York Knicks and played with them for two and a half seasons before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2011. Throughout his career, Gallinari has also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Atlanta Hawks, the Washington Wizards, and the Detroit Pistons.

Andrea Bargnani is an Italian former professional basketball player who played as a power forward-center. He began his career with Benetton Treviso in the Italian LBA and the EuroLeague before being drafted first overall in the 2006 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. Bargnani spent 10 seasons in the NBA, playing for teams like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. He concluded his professional career with a stint in Spain during the 2016–17 season.

Marcelo "Marcelinho" Tieppo Huertas is a Brazilian professional basketball player known for his leadership skills. He currently serves as the team captain for Lenovo Tenerife in the Spanish Liga ACB and is a key member of the Brazilian national basketball team. With dual Italian citizenship, Huertas made a mark in the NBA as one of the oldest rookies, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers before returning to Spain. His experience and court vision have made him a respected figure in the world of basketball.

Nicolás Laprovíttola is an Argentine professional basketball player currently playing for FC Barcelona Bàsquet in the Spanish Liga ACB and EuroLeague. Known for his exceptional skills on the court, Laprovittola has made significant contributions to his team's success. He has also represented the Argentina national basketball team in international competitions, showcasing his talent and leadership on a global stage. With a successful career in professional basketball, Laprovittola continues to impress fans and critics alike with his dedication and performance on the court.

Andrés Marcelo Nocioni is an Argentine former professional basketball player known for his successful career in both European and American leagues. He was a two-time All-EuroLeague selection and won a EuroLeague title in 2015. Nocioni also had an impactful NBA career spanning eight seasons. He achieved notable success on the international stage, winning gold at the 2004 Olympics and medals at the 2008 Olympics and 2002 FIBA World Championship. Nocioni's contributions to Argentine basketball were recognized with accolades such as the Konex Award.

Pablo Prigioni is a retired Argentine-Italian professional basketball player turned assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He excelled as a point guard for the senior Argentina national basketball team, winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the oldest rookie in NBA history when he made his debut with the New York Knicks at age 35. Prigioni played in Europe before transitioning to the NBA, where he had stints with the Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers before embarking on a coaching career in 2017.

Leandro Nicolás Bolmaro is a professional basketball player who currently plays for Olimpia Milano in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and competes in the EuroLeague. He is also a member of the senior Argentina national team. Bolmaro's career highlights include showcasing his skills at both the club and international levels, demonstrating his versatility and talent on the basketball court. As a key player for his teams, he has gained recognition for his contributions to the sport and continues to make a significant impact in professional basketball.

Nicolò Melli is a versatile Italian-American professional basketball player known for his contributions as a power forward and center. Currently playing for Fenerbahçe Beko in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi and the EuroLeague, he also represents the senior Italian national team. Melli's skills and dedication have earned him recognition, including an All-EuroLeague Second Team selection in 2017. With a strong presence on the court and valuable experience in top-tier leagues, he continues to make significant contributions to his teams and the sport as a whole.

Marco Belinelli is an accomplished Italian professional basketball player known for his sharpshooting abilities. He has played for various teams in both Europe and the NBA, including the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he won an NBA championship in 2014. Belinelli has also represented Italy in numerous international competitions, showcasing his talent and leadership on the court. His successful career is highlighted by accolades such as winning the NBA Three-Point Contest and participating in multiple FIBA EuroBasket and World Championship events.

Fabricio Oberto is a retired Argentine-Italian professional basketball player known for his versatility as a center and power forward. He started his career with Atenas in Argentina before moving on to play in Spain and Greece. In 2005, he joined the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA and won a championship with them in 2007. Oberto also represented Argentina in international competitions, earning two Olympic medals, including a gold in 2004. He was honored with induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019.

Paolo Banchero is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He gained recognition during his college career with the Duke Blue Devils, winning the ACC Rookie of the Year award in 2022. Banchero made a significant impact in his rookie NBA season after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Orlando Magic. He was honored as the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023, showcasing his talent and potential as a rising star in the league.

Samuel Deguara is a prominent Maltese professional basketball player known for his impressive height, standing at 7 ft 6.5 in (2.30 m). He holds the distinction of being the tallest man in both Italy and Malta, as well as the tallest active basketball player globally. With his remarkable physical stature, Deguara has garnered attention and recognition in the basketball world for his unique abilities on the court. His towering presence and skill set have made him a notable figure in the sport, commanding respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Mike D'Antoni is an American professional basketball coach and former player known for his fast-paced, offense-oriented system. He has coached various NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets. D'Antoni won the NBA Coach of the Year award twice, in 2004-05 and 2016-17. He is credited for the success of players like Steve Nash and James Harden, who thrived under his coaching style. Currently, he serves as a coaching advisor for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA.

Alessandro Gentile is an Italian professional basketball player known for his versatility at shooting guard and small forward positions. He played for Scafati Basket in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) league. Gentile was chosen by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 NBA draft. With a height of 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in), he showcased his skills and talent both domestically and internationally, leaving a mark in the basketball world with his strong presence on the court.

Daniel Hackett is a versatile professional basketball player who currently plays for Virtus Bologna in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A and the EuroLeague. He stands at 1.96m (6ft 5in) and is skilled in playing both the point guard and shooting guard positions. Hackett's career has been marked by his ability to adapt to different roles on the court, showcasing his versatility and basketball IQ. With experience in top European leagues, he continues to make significant contributions to his team's success through his scoring and playmaking abilities.

Patricio Garino is an Argentine professional basketball player currently with Estudiantes in the LEB Oro league. He previously played college basketball at George Washington University. Known for his versatility, Garino can play as a shooting guard or small forward. He has also represented the senior Argentina national basketball team. Standing at 2.01 meters tall, he brings a combination of skill, athleticism, and international experience to his team, making him a valuable asset on the court.

Carlos Delfino is an Argentine professional basketball player known for his skills as a small forward and shooting guard. He currently plays for Baltur Cento in the Italian Serie A2 Basket league. Standing at 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in), Delfino is recognized for his strong defensive abilities and three-point shooting prowess. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent on the court, consistently contributing to his teams with his versatile playing style and valuable contributions on both ends of the floor.

Luigi "Gigi" Datome is an Italian former professional basketball player known for his versatility on the court, playing as a small forward and power forward. Standing at 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in), he showcased his skills in various leagues. In 2016, Datome's exceptional performance earned him a spot on the All-EuroLeague Second Team, highlighting his impact and talent in the basketball world. Throughout his professional career, Datome demonstrated his dedication to the sport and left a lasting impression with his contributions on the court.

Andrea Trinchieri is an accomplished Italian professional basketball coach known for his leadership and strategic prowess. He currently serves as the head coach for Žalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) and the prestigious EuroLeague. With a wealth of experience, Trinchieri has established himself as a respected figure in the world of basketball coaching. His dedication to the sport and ability to guide teams to success have solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach in the European basketball scene.

Davide Moretti is an Italian professional basketball player currently playing for Pallacanestro Varese in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He gained recognition during his college career playing for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Moretti's skills and leadership on the court have helped him secure a spot in the professional basketball league. With his experience and talent, he continues to make significant contributions to his team, showcasing his abilities as a versatile and reliable player in the competitive world of basketball.

Paul Eboua is a talented Cameroonian-Italian professional basketball player currently playing for Vanoli Cremona in the Italian LBA league. Known for his impressive skills and athleticism, Eboua has made a name for himself as a rising star in the basketball world. His dedication to the sport and hard work on the court have earned him recognition and opportunities to showcase his talent at a professional level. With his determination and passion for the game, Eboua continues to strive for success and make an impact in the basketball community.

Amedeo Della Valle is an Italian professional basketball player currently playing for Basket Brescia Leonessa in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. He gained experience playing for Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, before transitioning to college basketball with the Ohio State University team. Known for his shooting skills and versatility on the court, Della Valle has continued to showcase his talent and contribute to his team's success in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Abramo Canka is an Italian college basketball player who currently plays for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He initially played for one season with the UCLA Bruins before transferring to Wake Forest. Canka has shown versatility and skill on the court, making a significant impact in his collegiate basketball career. His transition to Wake Forest demonstrates his commitment to success and his ability to adapt to new environments while continuing to excel in his sport.

Paul Biligha is a talented Cameroonian-Italian professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He currently plays for Derthona Basket in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) as a center, showcasing his prowess at 2.00 meters (6 feet 7 inches). With a strong presence in the league, Biligha brings valuable experience and athleticism to his team. His contributions on both ends of the court make him a key player for Derthona Basket, earning recognition for his performance and dedication to the sport.

Awudu Abass is an Italian professional basketball player known for his versatility and skills at the small forward position. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent in various leagues and teams, demonstrating his scoring ability and defensive prowess. His experience playing for different clubs has contributed to his growth and development as a player. With a height of 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in), Abass has established himself as a valuable asset on the court, making significant contributions to his teams' success.

Bogdan Tanjević, also known as "Boša," is a renowned Montenegrin basketball coach and former player. He achieved great success as the head coach of KK Bosna, leading the team to victory in the FIBA European Champions Cup in the 1978–79 season. Additionally, he coached the Italian national team to a gold medal at EuroBasket 1999. Tanjević's impressive career in basketball led to his induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019, solidifying his legacy as a respected figure in the sport.

Sani Bečirovič is a Slovenian professional basketball coach, executive, and former player. He currently serves as the sporting director for Panathinaikos in the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. Bečirovič was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft but did not play in the NBA. He comes from a basketball-oriented family, with his father having served as the head coach of the senior men's Slovenia national team.

Leandro García Morales is a professional basketball player from Uruguay and Italy, known for his skills as a shooting guard. He has represented the Uruguayan national basketball team and has enjoyed a successful career playing for various clubs, including Larre Borges. Standing at 1.88 meters tall (6'2"), García Morales is recognized for his scoring ability and leadership on the court. With a wealth of experience in the sport, he continues to make significant contributions to his teams and leave a mark in the world of basketball.

Amar Alibegović is a Bosnian professional basketball player currently playing for Trapani Shark in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). Known for his skill and athleticism on the court, Alibegović has made a name for himself as a talented player in the league. With a strong background in basketball, he brings experience and versatility to his team, contributing to their success in various games and tournaments. Alibegović's dedication and passion for the sport have helped him establish a successful career as a professional basketball player.

Gregor Fučka is a Slovenian-Italian former professional basketball player and coach known for his versatility as a 215 cm forward-center. His impressive career saw him being honored as a Mister Europa and Euroscar laureate in 2000, highlighting his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. Fučka's impact extended beyond his playing days as he transitioned into coaching, further showcasing his deep understanding and passion for basketball. Throughout his professional life, Fučka left a lasting legacy in the basketball world through his achievements and dedication.

Achille Polonara is an Italian professional basketball player known for his versatility and skills as a power forward. He currently plays for Virtus Bologna in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and competes in the prestigious EuroLeague. Polonara has established himself as a key player for his team, showcasing his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and rebounding skills. With a strong presence on the court, he continues to make significant contributions to Virtus Bologna's success in both domestic and European competitions.

Paola Ferrari is a talented Paraguayan basketball player known for her skills as a shooting guard. She currently showcases her abilities on the court for PB63 Battipaglia in Serie A2. With a strong presence and sharp shooting accuracy, she contributes significantly to her team's success. Paola's dedication and hard work have earned her a reputation as a valuable asset in the basketball world. Her passion for the game and commitment to excellence continue to drive her professional career forward.

Richard Petruška is a former professional basketball player and coach from Czechoslovakia. Standing at 6'10" and weighing 260 lbs., he specialized in the power forward and center positions. Known for his skills on the court, Petruška had a successful career playing for various teams. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, utilizing his expertise and experience to guide and mentor aspiring basketball players. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the basketball community.

Cesare Rubini was an accomplished Italian professional basketball player and coach, as well as a skilled water polo player. Renowned as one of the greatest European basketball coaches, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994, the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2000, and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2013. His exceptional contributions to the sport were further recognized with awards such as the FIBA Order of Merit in 2002 and inductions into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.