Simone Fontecchio, a basketball small forward for the Detroit Pistons, was born on December 9, 1995. After joining the NBA in July 2022 and agreeing to a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz, he was traded to the Pistons in February 2024 for Gabriele Procida, Kevin Knox II, and a second-round pick. Born in Pescara, Italy, he had represented Italy in under-16 to 20 tournaments. His professional basketball career began in the 2012–13 seasons with the Virtus Bologna of the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). Also, he went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft and continued with his international professional career.
Fontecchio has participated in 11 professional seasons abroad, spending time in the EuroLeague, Spain's Liga ACB, and Italy's Serie A. He played for Virtus Bologna, Milano, Cremona, Reggio Emilia, and Baskonia, among other teams. He represented Italy internationally in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making it to the quarterfinals both times and earning a spot on the 2023 All-FIBA World Cup Second Team. He was named an LBA All-Star in 2014 and has won the Italian Super Cup three times.
What is Simone Fontecchio's nationality?
Simone Fontecchio is of Italian nationality. He was born and raised in Pescara, Italy. Fontecchio represented Italy in the 2011 U16 Euporean Championship and finished in 10th place. Following that, he participated in the 2012 European Championship with the U18 team (7th place), the 2013 European Championship (10th place, best scorer for Italy), and the 2014 European Championship with the U20 team (10th place).
Fontecchio played basketball for Italy in the 2020 Summer Olympics and reached the quarterfinals. He led Italy in scoring with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 ball steals in their 92-82 victory over Germany. At a 21-efficiency rate, he was also Italy's best player in this match. In Italy's 83-86 defeat to eventual bronze medalist Australia, he scored the most points with 22. Italy defeated Nigeria 80-71 in the third and final match of their group stage, and Fontecchio and Pajola shared the title of assists leader. In the quarterfinals, Italy fell to eventual silver medalist France 75-84. Fontecchio scored 23 points, the most of any player in this match.
At the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Fontecchio played with the national team, and Italy placed eighth overall. He scored 18.0 points and pulled down 5.6 rebounds on average. Further, his individual performance earned him a spot on the All-FIBA World Cup Second Team.
Simone Fontecchio's Hometown
Simone Fontecchio is from Pescara, Italy, as per Fox Sports.
Simone Fontecchio's Birthplace
Simone Fontecchio was born in Pescara, Italy, on December 9, 1995.
Fontecchio believes his mother, Malì Pomilio, had an impact on his career decision. She played basketball for Italy and won two European championships for AS Vicenza. His father, Daniele, was a professional hurdler for Italy. His older brother Luca rose through Virtus' youth systems and has since played in lower divisions. Further, his maternal grandfather was also a professional basketball player.
FAQs on Simone Fontecchio
A. Simone Fontecchio's average annual salary is $8 million, as per his two-year contract with the Pistons, worth $16 million, signed in July 2024.
A. Simone Fontecchio stands 6 feet 7 inches or 201 cm tall.
A. No, Simone Fontecchio went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, and continued with his professional basketball career abroad.
A. Simone Fontecchio has played for Virtus Bologna (2012–2016), Olimpia Milano (2016–2019), Vanoli Cremona (2017–2018), Reggiana (2019–2020), Alba Berlin (2020–2021), Baskonia (2021–2022), Utah Jazz (2022–2024), and Detroit Pistons (2024–present).
A. Simone Fontecchio is of Italian nationality. He was born and raised in Pescara, Italy.