by Rick Manahan
The Grind Session’s 12th season takes a historic leap forward with its first-ever international regular-season event — The Bridge of Hoops Invitational, occurring October 22–25, 2026 and hosted at the beautiful Pala Angarano in Bassano Del Grappa, Italy. Partnering with The Star Alliance, this event represents more than just competition — it’s a milestone moment in connecting basketball cultures across the world.
“This event is about more than competition—it’s about connection,” said Brian L. Clifton, Director of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships for The Grind Session. “We’re building an international bridge where players, coaches, and fans from both sides of the world meet through basketball.”
An International Stage for the Next Generation
The Bridge of Hoops Invitational will feature eight elite teams from four different nations:
- The Star Alliance (Italy) – Host Team
- Olimpia Milano (Italy)
- BC Zalgiris (Lithuania)
- BC Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
- Prolific Prep (United States)
- Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) (United States)
- DNA Prep Academy (United States)
- Academy of Central Florida (United States)
This unprecedented gathering of top academies showcases the true spirit of international basketball — blending European precision and team discipline with the explosive athleticism and creativity of the American prep circuit.
Prolific Prep: A Dynasty Expands Its Reach
Few programs in high school basketball have the pedigree of Prolific Prep, which recently relocated from Napa, California to Florida. Ranked near the national top ten on ESPN year after year, the program enters its 12th season and head coach Ryan Bernardi entering his 4th season, has guided the team to three consecutive Grind Session championships.
“This trip to Italy is an incredible opportunity for our players and for Prolific Prep as a program,” Bernardi said. “Competing against European teams will expose us to a different style — more spacing, movement, and physicality — which will really help our guys grow. It’s also a great way to build chemistry before the Grind Session season starts. We’re thankful to Scott Waldrop and the Grind Session for helping make this happen.”
Prolific Prep's Coach Ryan Bernardi
Prolific Prep’s tradition of excellence speaks for itself — 13 McDonald’s All-Americans and six alumni currently on NBA rosters at the start of the 2025–26 season.
Newcomers Making Noise: South Eastern Prep Academy
SEPA enters its first Grind Session season already generating major buzz. Led by junior center Obinna Ekezie Jr., a 7-foot, 220-pound standout who transferred from Prolific Prep this summer, the team brings a blend of power and potential. His father, Obinna Ekezie Sr., starred at the University of Maryland before being selected 37th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft.
Newly acquired SEPA's Obinna Ekezie Jr
Head coach David Peavey is embracing the challenge and the opportunity of the Italian trip:
“We are extremely excited to be playing in the Grind Session in Italy. Italy is a beautiful country rich with tradition, culture, amazing food, and a love for basketball. I can’t wait to get our team there to compete against some of the best players in Europe.”
Academy of Central Florida: A Veteran Presence
Led by Carlos Morales Sr., a veteran coach with over two decades of professional experience across Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic, the Academy of Central Florida brings international pedigree and experience to the event. Morales, known as the winningest coach in Puerto Rico men’s national team history, also serves as a basketball analyst for ESPN, NBA League Pass, NBA Latin America, and FIBA.
Based in Orlando, the academy has been a consistent force on the Grind Session circuit and represents the bridge between Latin American basketball culture and the American prep scene.
DNA Prep: The West Coast Connection
Representing Los Angeles, DNA Prep Academy stands as the last remaining Grind Session team from the West Coast. Coached by Frank Robinson, the program prides itself on character development and long-term growth.
DNA Prep Academy's Coach Frank Robinson watches on in Toronto
“DNA Prep Academy is not just another prep academy that's popping up… We are in the business of changing lives,” said Robinson. “Playing abroad is a career-altering experience for young athletes — from adapting to new rules to different officiating styles. We have one of the youngest teams in the league, so this trip will accelerate their development. Some of our players have been with DNA since middle school — this is the next chapter in their growth.”
Broadcast & Media Coverage
Fans around the globe can follow every moment of the action.
All games from the Bridge of Hoops Invitational will be streamed live on The Grind Session’s official YouTube channel (@thegrindsession), with additional coverage from international broadcast partners. Full replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content will bring the Bassano experience to fans, scouts, and media outlets worldwide.
Community Youth Camp
Beyond the hardwood, the Grind Session and The Star Alliance will host a Youth Basketball Camp on Saturday, October 25th. Open to local and regional players, the camp will offer skill instruction, mentorship, and the chance to learn directly from visiting coaches and athletes. Details on registration and participation will be announced soon.
A Global Bridge of Dreams
The Bridge of Hoops Invitational isn’t just an event — it’s a cultural exchange, a celebration of sport, and a shared dream.
As The Grind Session continues to grow into a truly global platform, this Italian debut stands as a symbol of what basketball does best: unite people, inspire youth, and tell stories that cross borders.
