European pros have infiltrated the college game these past few seasons. Last season you saw the Friars embrace this trend by adding Estonian guard Stefan Vaaks and Latvian big man Peteris Pinnis in the offseason.
This year under new head coach Bryan Hodgson and staff that trend doesnt seem to be changing anytime soon. The Friars got a commitment from Italian wing Leonardo Marangon, who played professionally for UEB Gesteco Cividale in Italy’s Serie 2 division.
We provide a glimpse into his game and what he’ll bring to the 2026 Friars.
Marangon is a 6-7 wing who averaged 9.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, and 1.2 SPG over 36 games. This past season he shot close to 40% from three (46/117). He also participated in the 2025 FIBA U20 EuroBasket where he averaged 8.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG and 1.9 APG over 7 contests.
When you watch Marangon’s tape he seems like a guy who is a confident perimeter shooter. He also has good size and athleticism where he can take the ball to the rim as well when needed. He seems to have a good feel for the game and can get to his spots where he can pull up from midrange.
While his highlight reels typically show his offensive abilities it’s his defense that is his calling card. He is known as a great perimeter defender, which can be attributed to his length and athleticism. He is able to give solid rebounding while also getting steals.
When looking at European prospects it’s a little harder to gauge their immediate impact in the college game. Stefan Vaaks, for example, really stood out on tape but given the league he played in it was fair to question what kind of impact he could have as a freshman at PC. I was higher than many on what Vaaks could be but even I didn’t expect the sensational season he put up this past year.
So in terms of Leonardo Marangon, I see a guy that can make an impact being a 3 & D wing that is getting rotational minutes. He will turn 21 later this year, but he would be considered a freshman. His age, experience, and physique lend me to think he can be a solid contributor out of the gates for the Friars. His defense should help him earn early minutes, but if he can be a reliable scorer in Coach Hodgson’s system then his role will only expand.
Maragon’s length and athleticism seem to fit exactly what Hodgson and staff have been looking for in entirely rebuilding this roster. We’ve already seen guys with length on the wing be added in Miles Byrd and Dink Pate. Marangon at the very least should provide depth on the wing.
Marangon should come off the bench and have the assignment of guarding the best offensive wing player for the opposition. He’ll give guys like Byrd and Vanterpool a breather, and you’d hope the defensive fall-off isn’t too dramatic. Given his age and pro experience, I think that’s a fair assumption. If he can provide offensive firepower by being a 35-40% three point shooter in his bench minutes, all the better!
PC now has 9-of-13 roster spots filled for the upcoming season. We expect the staff to try and identify a lead guard and more frontcourt depth with their final roster spots.
Go Friars
