Rome: Consul General Randy Arquiza of the Philippine Embassy in Italy has encouraged young Filipino-Italian basketball players to pursue their passion if they aspire to play in major leagues like the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Arquiza made this remark during the final day of the Next Generation Under-21 InterCity Basketball Tournament at the Green Sports Arena in Rome, Italy.

According to Philippines News Agency, Arquiza highlighted the potential of players from this tournament, referencing Dalph Panopio, Jose Carlos Cullar, and Vince Magbuhos, who were born in Italy to migrant Filipino parents and now play in the PBA. Magbuhos, before being selected by the Meralco Bolts in the 2025 PBA Draft, played for the Adamson Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Similarly, Cullar played for St. Benilde in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) before joining Phoenix Fuel Masters in 2023. Panopio, who played in the NCAA Division I in the US, was picked 3rd overall by Blackwater Bossing in the 2025 PBA draft.

Arquiza underscored the importance of sports in maintaining both mental and physical health, urging players to continue their passion with the phrase 'anima sana in corpore sano' (sound mind, sound body). The tournament, organized by Next Generation and led by founder and president Aphol Panopio, featured seven teams of Fil-Italian players. The Roma team emerged victorious, defeating Proudly Pinoy in the finals of the 2026 edition. Other teams included Milano Farini, Iris Cup, Fil-United, M2 Basket Academy, and FEDAFILMO.

The Under-21 InterCity Tournament has been an annual event since 2015, with this year marking its first edition under the Next Generation banner.