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13 July 2026  2 min read

Jr. NBA success in Rome as England strike gold

Coach Turner's side came through as 34-28 winners against Italy in the Final, holding the hosts to just nine first-half points to convert a double digit lead into victory.

The boys came close to repeating the success, earning a finals spot after a 44-34 victory over Denmark, but coach Winton's side fell just short in the showpiece, losing 49-48 to the hosts with a buzzer-beating effort.

 

 

 

 

 

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The tournament included four girls and four boys teams and was held at the 600 capacity Palafonte Roma, providing a high-energy atmosphere throughout the action-packed weekend.

The boys' competition saw England lock horns with hosts Italy, plus Denmark and Netherlands, with Germany replacing the Dutch as the only change for the girls' competition.

The competition formed part of the England Talent Programme (ETP), designed to provide players and coaches with opportunities to come together, train and compete against other nations with the aim of exposing English talent to as many different playing styles and conditions as possible prior to potential Great Britain selection.

Summing up the tournament, Basketball England's Head of Talent and Performance Steve Bucknall, said:

"Firstly, congratulations to the girls and coach Turner for their success. What an experience for them to come through as eventual winners!

"The boys' also played very well, and although they suffered a heart-breaking loss, I'm sure the experience will provide plenty of opportunity for learning and development.

"My thanks go to the staff and volunteers who made the trip a possibility, and to the players for the way they conducted themselves as part of the England set up.

"And finally, thank you to our Italian hosts and the NBA for this opportunity as part of the Jr. NBA programme."

Find out more about the England Talent Pathway

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