Grind Session’s global reach continues to expand this season with the addition of its first-ever European program, Star Alliance, based in Italy. Leading the charge for this historic team is Ricards Aizpurs, a 6’5” guard from Riga, Latvia, who is quickly becoming one of the top international prospects in the class of 2027.
Aizpurs has been part of the prestigious Stella Azzurra program for the past few years — a development academy renowned across Europe for producing elite-level talent. Stella Azzurra, founded in 1938 in Rome, has long been recognized for its world-class player development system that has sent athletes to both top European leagues and the NBA.
Southeastern Prep Academy is officially joining the Grind Session Power Conference for the 2025-2026 season, signaling a bold new era for the rising Orlando-based program. After making a strong impression last year in limited appearances on the circuit, the Orlando, Florida-based program is now stepping into the spotlight as a full-time contender—armed with elite talent and championship aspirations.
The field for the Quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Championship is now complete and two former stars of the Grind Session – Adem Bona and Onuralp Bitim of Türkiye – remain in pursuit of the European crown.
Türkiye continued their unbeaten start to the tournament by defeating Sweden in the Round of 16 over the weekend. They now meet Poland in the opening quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, September 9.
The global basketball spotlight turns to Nicaragua this week as the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 enters its quarterfinal stage—and among the talent competing are seven standout Grind Session alumni.
This year’s AmeriCup has showcased the incredible global reach and developmental impact of the Grind Session, with former players representing a range of national teams including Canada, Dominican Republic, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. Each has brought the competitive fire and skillset that defined their high school careers into the international arena.
The Star Alliance – an elite European collective featuring top-tier prospects from Italy’s Stella Azzurra and Orange1 Bassano – has been officially selected to compete in the upcoming 2025-2026 Grind Session season. This marks the first time a European team has joined the prestigious winter circuit of elite high school basketball events.
Grind Session Alumni Shine Bright at 2025 NBA Summer League
Las Vegas, NV
The 2025 NBA 2K26 Summer League has wrapped up in Las Vegas, and the Grind Session once again cemented its place as a proving ground for future pros. With over 20 former Grind Session players participating across multiple teams, the league’s impact at the NBA level continues to grow.
The Grind Session is proud to announce that three of its rising female stars — Emilie Norregaard (Denmark), Lisa Sirgi (Estonia), and Naima van Stein (Netherlands) — are representing their countries in the 2025 FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship Division B.
The event is currently taking place in the Lithuanian cities of Alytus and Vilnius through July 13.
This international honor highlights both the players’ growth and the Grind Session’s continued reputation as a top global development platform for elite basketball talent.
