Napoli Basket
Napoli Basket, officially known as Gevi Napoli Basket, is a professional basketball club based in Naples, Italy, competing in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA), the top tier of Italian basketball.[1] Founded in 2016 as a revival of the city's storied basketball tradition, the team plays its home games at the PalaBarbuto arena, which has a capacity of 5,500 spectators.[1] Sporting blue and white as its primary colors, Napoli Basket has quickly risen through the ranks, achieving promotion to Serie A in 2021 after winning the Serie A2 playoffs.[2] The club's ascent culminated in its most significant achievement to date: winning the Italian Basketball Cup (Coppa Italia) in 2024, defeating EA7 Emporio Armani Milano 77–72 in the final held on February 18 in Turin.[3] Under head coach Igor Milicic, this victory marked Napoli Basket's first national title and highlighted the contributions of key players like Tyler Ennis, who recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in the championship game.[3] Following the 2023–24 regular season (14–16 record) and the Cup triumph, the team faced challenges in 2024–25 (9–21 record) before major organizational changes in 2025, including a transition to majority American ownership led by entrepreneur Matt Rizzetta, with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal joining as a minority owner and global ambassador.[4] In the ongoing 2025–26 season, with a revamped roster under coach Alessandro Magro, the team has a 3–4 record as of November 2025.[5] Napoli Basket draws on Naples' deep basketball heritage, which dates back to the original S.S. Basket Napoli club established in 1946, though the current iteration operates independently while honoring that legacy through community engagement and a vision to elevate the sport in southern Italy.[6] Notable figures associated with the franchise include international talents like Kevin Pangos and past NBA players who have suited up for Neapolitan teams, underscoring the club's ambition to blend local passion with global appeal.[7]History
Founding and early years (2016–2019)
Napoli Basket traces its origins to August 2016, when local entrepreneur Ciro Ruggiero established Cuore Napoli Basket as a successor to the defunct S.S. Basket Napoli, which had declared bankruptcy in 2009 after a storied history in Italian basketball.[8] Ruggiero, a Neapolitan native and president of the club, orchestrated the transfer of the Serie B playing rights from Cilento Basket Agropoli to Naples, enabling the new entity to compete in the national second division and revive professional basketball in the city.[9] This grassroots initiative aimed to fill the void left by the original club's collapse, drawing on local passion to build a competitive roster under coach Francesco Ponticiello. In its inaugural 2016–17 Serie B season, Cuore Napoli Basket demonstrated rapid promise by finishing first in Group C of the regular season standings.[10] The team also captured its first major trophy, the Italian LNP Cup for Serie B, defeating Agribertocchi Orzinuovi 60–58 in the final at Bologna's Unipol Arena on March 5, 2017, with strong performances from key contributors highlighting the club's emerging talent pool.[11][12] Building on this momentum, Cuore Napoli advanced through the promotion playoffs, eliminating teams like Goldengas Senigallia and BPC Virtus Cassino before securing ascent to Serie A2 with a decisive series win over Citysightseeing Palestrina in the finals, clinched in late May 2017 at the PalaCasalnuovo.[13][14] The 2017–18 Serie A2 campaign proved challenging, as Cuore Napoli struggled with inconsistency and depth issues, compiling a dismal 13–17 regular-season record in the Western Group and finishing 14th overall.[15] Despite advancing past Assigeco Piacenza in the first-round playouts (2–0), the team faltered in the second round against Roseto Sharks, losing 73–80 in Game 1 and 89–94 in Game 2 to confirm relegation back to Serie B on May 17, 2018.[16][17] Financial difficulties exacerbated the downturn, with reports of inadequate planning and resource constraints hindering competitiveness amid the higher division's demands.[18] In response, the club underwent a restructuring in 2018, rebranding as Napoli Basket to streamline its identity and attract new investment while preparing for Serie B redemption.[19]Return to Serie A2 and promotion to LBA (2019–2021)
In June 2019, Napoli Basket acquired the Serie A2 sports title and rights from Legnano Basket Knights, allowing the club to return to Italy's second-tier basketball league for the 2019–20 season.[20] This move came after financial challenges in the prior year had forced the team out of competition, marking a pivotal step in the club's revival under president Federico Grassi.[21] The 2019–20 Serie A2 season began promisingly for Napoli, with the team competing in the Girone Est and securing several early victories at the renovated PalaBarbuto arena. However, the campaign was abruptly halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro ultimately declared the season null and void, with no promotions or relegations awarded.[22] Resuming in the 2020–21 season amid ongoing pandemic restrictions, Napoli posted a strong regular-season performance, finishing second in the Girone Rosso with 19 wins in 24 games. The team advanced through the playoffs with decisive quarterfinal sweeps, defeating Pistoia Basket 3–0, before overcoming Ferrara in the semifinals 3–1. In the finals, Napoli clinched promotion to the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) by beating Udine 3–1, highlighted by a 77–67 road victory in Game 4 on June 27, 2021.[23][24] This triumph secured the club's entry into Italy's top division for the 2021–22 season, ending a 13-year absence from the elite level.[23] Under head coach Pino Sacripanti, who took the helm for the promotion push, Napoli emphasized a balanced roster blending experienced imports and domestic players. Key import Jordan Parks provided versatile forward play, averaging double-digit scoring and rebounding contributions during the playoff run. Italian talents such as guard Diego Monaldi, named team captain, and center Antonio Iannuzzi anchored the lineup with defensive tenacity and leadership, helping the squad navigate a condensed schedule of 32 regular-season games plus playoffs.[25][26]Success in Serie A and first major title (2021–2025)
Napoli Basket made its debut in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) during the 2021–22 season following promotion from Serie A2, marking the club's first campaign in Italy's top division. The team, coached by Stefano Sacripanti, faced significant adaptation challenges as a newly promoted side, including integrating a roster with international talent and adjusting to the higher competitive level. Despite these hurdles, Napoli secured a mid-table finish with an 11–19 regular season record, placing 14th overall and avoiding relegation. Key contributors included forward Sergio Grassi and guard Antonio Matera, who provided stability amid the transition.[27][28] The 2022–23 season saw improvement under new head coach Cesare Pancotto, who replaced Sacripanti to bring tactical discipline and experience from prior LBA stints. Napoli posted a 12–18 record, climbing to 12th place and demonstrating better defensive cohesion, though they still missed the playoffs. The campaign highlighted growing team chemistry, with Pancotto's emphasis on balanced rotations helping the squad compete more effectively against established rivals. This period laid foundational progress for future breakthroughs, as the club invested in roster depth to build sustainability in the top flight.[29] Napoli's 2023–24 season represented a breakthrough, culminating in the club's first major national title: victory in the Italian Basketball Cup (Coppa Italia). Despite a modest 14–16 regular season record that placed them 10th and outside the LBA playoffs, Napoli excelled in the February Final Eight tournament in Turin. They advanced through the bracket to defeat EA7 Emporio Armani Milano 77–72 in the final, overcoming a late comeback attempt by the opponents with a decisive three-pointer from Jacob Pullen in the closing seconds. Polish forward Michał Sokołowski earned MVP honors for his tournament-leading 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 22 performance index rating (PIR) in the final, while Dylan Ennis contributed 11 early points to establish Napoli's lead. This triumph validated the team's resilience and marked a historic milestone for the modern franchise.[30][31][32] The 2024–25 season brought struggles, with Napoli finishing 9–21 and 15th in the standings, resulting in an early elimination without a playoff berth. Roster overhauls, including the additions of point guard Kevin Pangos and scoring guard Erick Green, aimed to build on the prior Cup success but were hampered by inconsistencies and injuries. Pangos provided playmaking vision with his international pedigree, while Green averaged 18.5 points per game as a primary scorer. These changes occurred amid hints of ownership transitions, testing the club's stability as it prepared for the next era.[33][34][35]American era and recent developments (2025–present)
In May 2025, an American investment group led by Italian-American entrepreneur Matt Rizzetta acquired a 66% majority stake in Napoli Basket through Napoli Basketball USA LLC, marking a significant shift toward U.S.-influenced ownership; former president Federico Grassi retained the remaining 33%.[4][36] NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal joined the ownership consortium as a key global ambassador, bringing high-profile visibility to the club's international ambitions.[37] This acquisition followed the team's 2024 Coppa Italia triumph, which highlighted its potential and attracted the investment.[7] To lead operations, the new ownership appointed NBA veteran James Laughlin, previously chief of staff for the New Orleans Pelicans, as general manager, alongside retaining head coach Alessandro Magro and adding Dan Doyle as a special advisor.[38][39] The era's launch event occurred on June 24, 2025, aboard the MSC Magnifica cruise ship in Naples harbor, where Rizzetta unveiled the revamped organizational structure, a new logo, and visions for growth blending Neapolitan roots with American synergies.[39] Entering the 2025–26 Lega Basket Serie A season, Napoli aimed for playoff qualification with a restructured squad emphasizing players experienced in American basketball systems, including former NBA guard Naz Mitrou-Long.[40] Early results showed promise, such as a 95–87 home victory over Pallacanestro Reggiana on October 26, 2025, where defensive adjustments limited opponents to under 90 points for the first time in recent outings.[41] As of late October 2025, across the first four games, the team averaged 87.0 points scored and 88.8 allowed, reflecting incremental defensive progress under the new regime.[42] As of November 15, 2025, Napoli holds a 3–4 record after seven games, with notable performances including Naz Mitrou-Long's 24-point outing in a road win on November 11.[43][44] The American era introduced cultural shifts toward global marketing and youth initiatives, with O'Neal's role enhancing worldwide outreach and plans for youth development partnerships linked to U.S. academies to foster talent pipelines.[37][39] However, integrating the new U.S.-based executives into Italian basketball operations has required time and effort, as the club transitions from its prior domestic-focused structure amid high expectations for competitiveness.[45]Organization and administration
Ownership and management
Napoli Basket's ownership underwent a significant transformation in 2025 with the acquisition of a majority stake by an American-led group, marking the beginning of an "American era" aimed at elevating the club's competitiveness on both domestic and international stages. The ownership is headed by Italian-American entrepreneur Matt Rizzetta as president, alongside partners Dan Doyle, Bob Wood, and Vincent T. Beni, all based in the United States. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal joined the ownership-led project as a key global ambassador in June 2025.[37] This group, operating through Napoli Basketball USA LLC, emphasizes international expansion, including potential sponsorships and global branding initiatives to attract top talent and broaden the club's market presence.[46][36][47] The management team reflects this transatlantic vision, with James Laughlin appointed as general manager in June 2025. A former executive with the NBA's Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans, Laughlin brings expertise in player development and operations to streamline the club's structure. Other key administrative roles include vice president Flavio D'Isanto and managing director Riccardo Marziantonio, who oversee day-to-day governance and strategic planning.[48][49][46] Under the new ownership, administrative priorities have shifted toward enhanced scouting and talent acquisition, leveraging partnerships with U.S.-based agencies to identify and recruit international players. This approach, informed by Laughlin's NBA background, focuses on building a sustainable pipeline for high-caliber athletes while increasing operational budgets to support competitive rosters. Financially, the group has committed substantial investments to bolster these efforts, positioning Napoli Basket for long-term growth in Serie A and beyond.[38][50][39]Coaching staff and history
The coaching staff of Napoli Basket is currently headed by Alessandro Magro, who was appointed on June 18, 2025, for the 2025–26 season following the American-led ownership change. The 43-year-old Italian coach, previously with BC Wolves in Lithuania, brings a philosophy centered on defensive pragmatism and detailed execution, as evidenced by his emphasis on help defense rotations and pick-and-pop angles during preseason preparations.[51][52][53] His assistants include Francesco Cavaliere, a long-serving figure since 2019 who provides tactical continuity and youth development support.[54] Magro's arrival marks a shift toward a hybrid Euro-American coaching approach, blending European tactical discipline with NBA-inspired pace and spacing, aligned with the club's new ownership vision under Matt Rizzetta and Dan Doyle. This evolution builds on prior Italian-focused strategies, aiming to elevate competitiveness in Serie A through improved defensive communication and adaptive offense.[39][55] Historically, the club's coaching tenures reflect its rapid ascent from Serie B. In the founding and early years (2016–2019), Francesco Ponticiello served as head coach, steering Cuore Napoli Basket through Serie B and reaching the playoff Final Four in 2017 with a record of 34 wins in 42 games.[56] The promotion era (2019–2021) saw Pino Sacripanti take the helm, implementing an Italian-centric system that emphasized team cohesion and led to Serie A promotion in 2021 after a dominant 37–9 overall record across all competitions in Serie A2. Sacripanti's tenure ended in March 2022 amid a midseason slump.[57][58] Maurizio Buscaglia replaced Sacripanti in March 2022 but was dismissed in January 2023 after a 7-15 record, prompting Cesare Pancotto to step up from assistant to head coach for the remainder of the 2022–23 season. In June 2023, Igor Miličić was hired, introducing a balanced offensive-defensive scheme that culminated in Napoli's first major title, the 2024 Italian Cup, with the team achieving a 14-16 record in LBA regular-season games during his 2023–24 tenure but stronger in key stretches. Miličić was parted ways with in November 2024, leading to Giorgio Valli's interim role through the end of the 2024–25 season.[59][60]Players
Current roster (2025–26 season)
The 2025–26 roster of Napoli Basket, under head coach Alessandro Magro, features a balanced mix of experienced international guards and forwards alongside young Italian talents, emphasizing versatility and defensive prowess in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A. The team comprises 12 players, with six imports primarily from the United States and one dual-nationality player, complemented by five Italian nationals, resulting in an average age of 26.8 years and an average height of 196.7 cm. This composition allows for dynamic lineups capable of high-tempo play, with no major injuries or trades reported as of November 11, 2025.[61] Key performers include scoring leader Nazareth Mitrou-Long, who averages 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game over seven matches. Savion Flagg contributes 14.7 points and 5.4 rebounds, showcasing his role as a primary rebounder among wings, while Aamir Simms adds 14.4 points and a team-high 7.0 rebounds from the forward spot. Ishmael El-Amin provides backcourt depth with 9.6 points and 2.1 assists in 22.1 minutes per game.[62] The guards group is led by imports Ishmael El-Amin (USA, 27 years old, 189 cm) and Nazareth Mitrou-Long (Canada/Greece, 32, 193 cm), alongside Rasir Bolton (USA, 26, 190 cm) for perimeter shooting and playmaking. Italian veterans like Stefano Gentile (36, 191 cm, point guard) offer leadership, supported by prospects Stefano Saccoccia (19, 180 cm) and Leonardo Faggian (21, 195 cm, guard/forward). Ed Croswell (USA, 26, 203 cm) anchors the forwards with 9.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in limited minutes.[61] In the frontcourt, Aamir Simms (USA, 26, 203 cm) and Savion Flagg (USA, 26, 201 cm, guard/forward) form a mobile duo, with Guglielmo Caruso (Italy, 26, 208 cm) providing interior presence at 5.1 points per game. Additional depth comes from Kaspar Treier (Estonia/Italy, 26, 204 cm) and Mirko Gloria (Italy, 30, 203 cm, forward/center), who contribute defensively off the bench.[61][62]| Position | No. | Player | Nationality | Height (cm) | Age | Key Stats (PPG, as of Nov 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guard | 5 | Ishmael El-Amin | USA | 189 | 27 | 9.6 |
| Guard | 3 | Nazareth Mitrou-Long | Canada/Greece | 193 | 32 | 17.3 |
| Guard | 45 | Rasir Bolton | USA | 190 | 26 | 12.8 |
| Guard | 22 | Stefano Gentile | Italy | 191 | 36 | 2.3 |
| Guard | 11 | Stefano Saccoccia | Italy | 180 | 19 | 0.0 |
| Guard/Forward | 10 | Leonardo Faggian | Italy | 195 | 21 | 0.9 |
| Forward | 1 | Savion Flagg | USA | 201 | 26 | 14.7 |
| Forward | 8 | Ed Croswell | USA | 203 | 26 | 9.4 |
| Forward | 25 | Aamir Simms | USA | 203 | 26 | 14.4 |
| Forward | 18 | Kaspar Treier | Estonia/Italy | 204 | 26 | 2.0 |
| Forward | 30 | Guglielmo Caruso | Italy | 208 | 26 | 5.1 |
| Forward/Center | - | Mirko Gloria | Italy | 203 | 30 | N/A (limited minutes) |
Notable former players
Erick Green, an American guard, joined Napoli Basket in October 2024 and contributed significantly during the 2024–25 season, averaging 16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game across 20 appearances before departing the club in the summer of 2025.[63] His efficient scoring, particularly from beyond the arc, provided a reliable offensive spark for the team amid their competitive campaign in Serie A.[63] Kevin Pangos, a Canadian-born point guard with Slovenian citizenship and prior EuroLeague experience with clubs like Žalgiris Kaunas, signed a one-year contract with Napoli Basket in August 2024 and played through the 2024–25 season.[64] In his tenure, Pangos averaged 10.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, leveraging his playmaking skills to facilitate Napoli's fast-paced offense and mentor younger guards.[65] Josh Mayo, an American point guard, was instrumental in Napoli Basket's rise during his stint from 2020 to 2022, serving as the team's leading scorer in Serie A2 and earning MVP recognition for standout performances in the 2021 promotion playoffs that secured the club's ascent to the Lega Basket Serie A. His quick decision-making and clutch scoring in critical moments helped define the squad's identity as a resilient upstart.[66] Diego Monaldi, an Italian guard, anchored Napoli's backcourt from 2019 to 2021, captaining the team through their Serie A2 playoff run and contributing key assists and perimeter defense en route to the 2021 promotion to Serie A.[67] As a homegrown talent with deep ties to Neapolitan basketball, Monaldi's leadership fostered team cohesion during the club's formative years.[68] Jordan Parks, an American forward, excelled as a defensive specialist for Napoli Basket from 2020 to 2022, using his 6'7" frame to disrupt opponents' plays and secure rebounds during the team's inaugural Serie A season in 2021–22.[69] His versatility on both ends of the court, including timely blocks and transition plays, bolstered Napoli's defensive identity in their top-flight debut.[70]Home arena and facilities
PalaBarbuto
The PalaBarbuto, officially Palazzetto dello Sport "Lello Barbuto," serves as the primary home arena for Napoli Basket and is located at Viale dei Giochi del Mediterraneo in the Fuorigrotta district of Naples, Italy.[71] Constructed in 2003 with an initial seating capacity of 4,000, the venue was originally designed to host basketball games for the city's professional team and has been the home court for Napoli Basket since the club's establishment in 2016.[72][73] In preparation for the 2019 Summer Universiade, the arena underwent significant renovations, including enhanced safety features and the reopening of the upper grandstand, boosting its capacity to 5,500 seats.[71] During the Universiade, it hosted basketball competitions, marking a key moment in its role as a multi-sport facility.[74] Key upgrades to the arena's infrastructure include the installation of a state-of-the-art LED lighting system in 2022, improving visibility and energy efficiency for spectators and players alike.[72] In October 2025, the venue adopted the sponsorship name Alcott Arena through a partnership with the Italian fashion brand Alcott, part of Capri Group, reflecting ongoing commercial developments tied to the club's operations.[75] As a central hub for Napoli Basket's competitive activities, PalaBarbuto has symbolized the resurgence of professional basketball in Naples, hosting pivotal home games during the team's promotion to Serie A2 and subsequent campaigns in the Lega Basket Serie A.[52]Training and academy facilities
Napoli Basket's primary training site is located in the Fuorigrotta district of Naples. The club's youth development arm, the Napoli Basket Academy, engages participants aged 6 to 18 through structured minibasket and advanced training programs designed to foster technical skills, teamwork, and personal growth. Established as a cornerstone of the club's community outreach, the academy emphasizes inclusive access to the sport. Following the acquisition by American investor Matt Rizzetta in 2025, Napoli Basket announced plans to develop a new arena near the Amalfi Coast, estimated as a multi-hundred-million-dollar project, with discussions ongoing as of September 2025.[76] The academy's effectiveness is evidenced by its production of promising players who have progressed to professional levels.Achievements and records
Domestic competitions
Napoli Basket entered the Lega Basket Serie A in the 2021–22 season after earning promotion from Serie A2. The club has recorded steady improvement in the top flight, with their best performance being a 9th-place finish in the 2023–24 regular season (14 wins, 16 losses), their highest placement to date. No league championships have been won to date. The team's most significant domestic success came in the Italian Cup (Coppa Italia), where they claimed their first Coppa Italia title in the 2023–24 edition by defeating Olimpia Milano 77–72 in the final at Turin's Pala Alpitour. Under head coach Igor Miličić, this victory marked Napoli's first top-tier national trophy, though the club had previously won lower-division cups, and highlighted their growing competitiveness. Tyler Ennis was named tournament MVP for his 21-point performance in the final.[77][3] Before ascending to Serie A, Napoli achieved key successes in lower divisions. In the 2020–21 Serie A2 season, they won the Italian LNP Cup, beating APU Udine 80–69 in the final, which paved the way for promotion via the playoffs. Earlier, during their inaugural 2016–17 Serie B campaign, the club captured the Serie B Cup with a narrow 60–58 victory over Agribertocchi Orzinuovi in the final at Bologna's Unipol Arena.[11] A notable rivalry exists with Juvecaserta Basket in the Campano derby, a regional matchup that revives historical tensions from Neapolitan basketball and draws intense local support. Matches between the two, such as the 2018–19 encounters, often carry high stakes in lower-tier competitions.[78]| Season | Position | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 15th | 11–19 |
| 2022–23 | 12th | 12–18 |
| 2023–24 | 9th | 14–16 |
Season-by-season performance
Napoli Basket, founded in 2016, has progressed through Italy's basketball leagues, starting in Serie B and reaching the top-tier Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) in 2021. The following table summarizes the team's performance from the 2016–17 season onward, including league affiliation, regular season win-loss record, playoff results, and head coach for each year. Records reflect regular season play unless noted, with promotions and relegations indicating key outcomes.| Year | League | Regular Season (W-L) | Playoffs Outcome | Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | Serie B | 24–6 | Promoted to Serie A2 | Francesco Ponticiello |
| 2017–18 | Serie A2 | 3–27 | Relegated to Serie B | Maurizio Bartocci |
| 2018–19 | Serie B | 18–12 | Lost in semifinals | Gianluca Lulli |
| 2019–20 | Serie A2 | 14–12 | Season suspended (COVID-19) | Stefano Sacripanti |
| 2020–21 | Serie A2 | 25–5 | Promoted to LBA (champions) | Stefano Sacripanti |
| 2021–22 | LBA | 11–19 | No playoffs | Stefano Sacripanti |
| 2022–23 | LBA | 12–18 | No playoffs | Stefano Sacripanti |
| 2023–24 | LBA | 14–16 | No playoffs | Igor Miličić |
| 2024–25 | LBA | 9–21 | No playoffs | Igor Miličić (until Nov 2024) |
| 2025–26 | LBA | 3–4 (ongoing) | N/A | Alessandro Magro |