Trieste rounds out the Italian contingent with Davide Paiano
Pallacanestro Trieste has announced the signing of Davide Paiano’s first professional contract. The 199-centimeter forward, a native of Trieste born in 2005, will join the red-and-white roster for the 2026–2027 season, rounding out the group of Italian players at Coach Francesco Taccetti’s disposal.
Paiano had already joined the first-team roster in Serie A during the 2024-2025 season, making a name for himself in the Next Gen Cup LBA, where he averaged 13.4 points, 1.6 assists, and a 13.1 efficiency rating per game. These numbers were accompanied by excellent shooting percentages: 46.8% from two-point range, 39.3% from three-point range, and 82.4% from the free-throw line. Last season also allowed him to gain experience in Serie B with OraSì Ravenna, where he made 40 appearances, averaging 11.2 minutes on the court.
“It’s particularly gratifying for all of us to have witnessed Davide’s steady growth and maturation over the past two years and beyond,” General Manager Michael Arcieri told the club’s official channels. “He is the latest example of the emerging basketball talent for which Trieste has become known and appreciated. As always, Davide has reached this important milestone in his young career through tireless work, dedication, and sacrifice.”
“He combines his ever-improving technical skills with physicality and energy—qualities that will allow him to carve out a role as a forward, bringing defense and aggressiveness to the court,” added Trieste’s general manager. It is only right to extend special thanks and recognition to the entire BaskeTrieste staff, who played a fundamental role in Davide’s growth as a young man and as a basketball player.”
“We’re proud to welcome a fourth Trieste native (including Candussi) to our team and to officially welcome Davide and his family to the team he dreamed of playing for as a child. Go Trieste!” the red-and-white executive concluded. With Paiano’s signing made official, Pallacanestro Trieste completes its roster of Italian players for the 2026–2027 season and adds a homegrown player to the roster, reaffirming its commitment to continuing to develop the best talents from its youth system.
