The NBA Rising Stars Invitational will run from June 23 to 28, 2026, at The Kallang’s OCBC Arena in Singapore [1, 2, 3]. The event brings together 24 Asia-Pacific high-school teams, including under-18 boys and girls squads, to compete and showcase young basketball talent from the region [1, 2, 3].
Among the featured guests is current Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, who was born in Toyama to a Japanese mother and a Beninese father. He was the first Japan-born player drafted in the first round at ninth overall in 2019 by the Washington Wizards and was named to the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie Second Team [1, 2, 3]. Now 28 years old, Hachimura said, "I’m honoured to be part of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational and see some of the best high-school teams the region has to offer. Having played high-school basketball in Japan, I understand how meaningful opportunities like this can be at the early stages of a player’s journey, and I’m excited to be part of a programme that helps inspire the next generation of players from Asia-Pacific" [1].
Joining Hachimura are former NBA champions Mitch Richmond and Jeremy Lin, as well as former WNBA champion Lauren Jackson [1, 2, 3]. Richmond, a 60-year-old former shooting guard and 2002 NBA champion who won Olympic gold in 1996, remarked, "The NBA Rising Stars Invitational is proof of how global the game of basketball has become. This tournament provides a great platform for standout prospects from across Asia-Pacific to make their mark, and I look forward to engaging with the participants in Singapore and helping them continue their development" [2].
The invited stars will take part in community events during the week, including a coaches’ clinic on June 24, a "Her Time to Play" clinic and leadership panel, as well as Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA clinics held from June 26 to 28 [1, 2, 3]. Fans will also be able to enjoy free basketball activities at Fan Zones located at Bugis Junction and Kallang Wave Mall throughout the event [1, 2, 3].
The announcement of the participating stars was made on June 3, ahead of the opening of the tournament [1, 2, 3]. The invitational is set to highlight the rising youth talents across Asia-Pacific, giving them exposure to renowned players and development opportunities in Singapore.
