Youth basketball from across Europe came together in Rome this weekend, as the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Tournament presented by Kellogg’s brought teams from five countries to Eur Palafonte for two days of competition, development and community.
The event, held July 11–12 with support from the NBA and the Italian Basketball Federation, featured select teams from Denmark, England, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. The atmosphere combined serious international competition with the broader purpose of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program: helping young players grow through teamwork, respect and the fundamentals of the game.
Italy gave the home crowd plenty to celebrate in the boys’ competition, claiming the championship behind tournament MVP Federico Luchetti. Luchetti also earned a place on the All-Tournament Team alongside Roshaugn Smith of the Netherlands, Alfred Sylvester Kvist Refskov of Denmark, and England’s Caleb Alozie and Fife Akinlabi.
England took the girls’ title, led by MVP Grace Roberts. She was joined on the Girls All-Tournament Team by Germany’s Liah Noll, Denmark’s Marie Ringsted Gasbjerg, England teammate Pearl Douzoh and Italy’s Sara Nicoletti.
Professional player Riccardo Visconti was also in attendance, supporting the teams and spending time with the young athletes. His presence added another layer to the event, giving participants the chance to connect with someone who has already experienced the demands and rewards of professional basketball.
The tournament was about more than trophies. For many of the players, it was an opportunity to test themselves against unfamiliar opponents, represent their countries and experience the game in an international setting. Events like this can be especially valuable at youth level, where competition and development often go hand in hand.
The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA continues to expand that mission globally. The league’s youth program focuses on teaching both basketball skills and the values connected to the sport, while its updated curriculum uses small-sided games and activity-based practice plans to encourage stronger decision-making and greater player involvement.
In 2025, the program reached more than 41 million players, parents, coaches and referees across 193 countries and territories outside the United States.
Rome provided the latest example of what that reach looks like in practice: young athletes from different basketball cultures sharing the same court, competing for titles and leaving with an experience bigger than the final score.
