As the first round of the NBA Playoffs wraps up—filled with drama, clutch moments, and a few surprises—the league is already shifting focus to its next major event: the NBA Draft 2025. Scheduled for June 25 and 26 in Brooklyn, this year’s draft promises to be a pivotal moment not just for teams looking to build their future, but also for international basketball hopefuls aiming to make their NBA dreams a reality.
Among the 106 players officially declared eligible for the NBA Draft 2025, three come from Italy—each hoping to carve out their place in the world’s most competitive basketball league. While most draft buzz centers on NCAA prospects and a few standout players from other European leagues, Italy has quietly developed a few rising stars that could soon join the ranks of Simone Fontecchio, the country’s lone current NBA representative.
Let’s take a closer look at the Italian trio throwing their names into the ring this summer and what their chances might be on basketball’s biggest stage.
The Italian Hopefuls in the NBA Draft 2025
1. Saliou Niang
First up is Saliou Niang, a promising forward who’s built his reputation in Italy’s lower-tier professional leagues. At 6-foot-7, Niang possesses a unique blend of size, athleticism, and energy that has scouts intrigued. He’s still raw in some aspects—especially his shooting and decision-making—but his motor and defensive potential have earned him comparisons to players like Josh Okogie or Herbert Jones.
Niang has shown flashes of brilliance in youth tournaments and domestic leagues. He’s not expected to go in the lottery, but if he performs well in pre-draft workouts or international combines, he could sneak into the late second round—or earn a two-way contract from a team willing to invest in his long-term upside.
2. David Torresani
A skilled guard with a smooth shooting stroke, David Torresani may be the most NBA-ready of the three Italians. At 6-foot-4, Torresani is a natural scorer who thrives off the dribble and can create space with ease. His style is reminiscent of Goran Dragić in his prime—crafty, fearless, and intelligent on the court.
Torresani played a crucial role for his club this past season and is known for his calm demeanor and leadership qualities. Scouts have raised some concerns about his athleticism and ability to guard quicker NBA point guards, but his shooting touch and court vision give him a legitimate shot to be drafted in the second round.
3. Mouhamed Faye
Last but not least is Mouhamed Faye, a versatile forward with a long wingspan and defensive instincts that jump off the screen. Originally from Senegal but raised in Italy’s youth system, Faye brings international experience and a strong physical profile to the table.
He has excellent timing as a shot blocker and rebounder, and though he’s still polishing his offensive game, teams value his potential as a modern-day “3-and-D” wing. Like Niang, Faye is likely a second-round or undrafted candidate, but his upside could attract teams that are willing to develop him in the G-League or overseas for a year or two.
What About Dame Sarr?
One name that’s notably absent from the NBA Draft 2025 entry list is Dame Sarr—a highly regarded Italian prospect who had been on many early draft boards. Sarr’s recent fallout with Barcelona and his decision to potentially play college basketball in the U.S. next season likely contributed to his withdrawal.
While it’s disappointing not to see him in this year’s class, many scouts believe his ceiling is even higher than the other Italians mentioned. By taking the college route, Sarr may end up as a first-round pick in the NBA Draft 2026, assuming he continues to develop as expected.
What the NBA Draft 2025 Means for Italian Basketball
Italy has a proud basketball tradition, with legends like Dino Meneghin and more recently Danilo Gallinari paving the way for today’s stars. But in recent years, Italian presence in the NBA has been limited. That’s why this year’s draft is especially exciting for Italian fans and talent scouts alike.
Adding another name or two to the NBA ranks would be a major boost for Italy’s basketball credibility—and help inspire the next generation of young Italian players to chase their dreams across the Atlantic.
Simone Fontecchio, currently playing for the Detroit Pistons, has been a solid contributor and ambassador for Italian basketball in the NBA. Having another Italian join him would be a big deal, both symbolically and practically, as it signals the continuing evolution of Italy’s player development systems.
The Bigger Picture: International Talent in the NBA Draft 2025
While the spotlight often falls on NCAA standouts and American-born prospects, the NBA Draft 2025 once again proves that international basketball continues to grow in influence. Players from across Europe, including France, Serbia, Spain, and now Italy, are expected to make a splash this summer.
With the NBA placing increased value on international scouting and development, European prospects are no longer longshots—they’re now essential pieces in long-term team-building strategies.
Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Oklahoma City Thunder have found great success mining international talent, and this year’s draft will be no different. Whether it’s in the late first round or as a sleeper pick in the second, there’s a real chance one of these Italian hopefuls gets their shot.
Final Thoughts
The NBA Draft 2025 isn’t just about finding the next superstar—it’s about identifying players who can fit, grow, and thrive in the fast-evolving NBA landscape. For Italian basketball, it’s a moment of hope and excitement.
Will Saliou Niang’s energy catch the eye of scouts? Can David Torresani’s scoring instincts translate to the next level? Will Mouhamed Faye’s defensive upside earn him a shot on an NBA roster?
We’ll find out when the names are called in Brooklyn this June.
One thing is certain: Italy is watching, and the future is full of possibility.