The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational tipped off at Singapore’s Kallang Tennis Centre with flamboyant festivities and fierce competition. Teams from 11 countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific, including both boys’ and girls’ squads from Tsinghua University High School, took to the court in a bid for basketball glory.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle, featuring Miami Heat’s mascot Burnie energizing the crowd and a dazzling performance by the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleaders. NBA legend Yao Ming graced the event, alongside two-time WNBA champion Lauren Jackson, Phoenix Suns players Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, and Keisei Tominaga from Japan’s B.League.
On the first day of action, both Tsinghua University High School teams made impressive debuts. The girls’ team faced Thailand’s Watnoinoppakhun School. Despite an early deficit, center Zhuang Qiqi and guard Li Yixuan spearheaded a strong comeback, securing a 74-60 victory. Xu Anqi and Li Yixuan led the scoring with 19 points each.
The boys’ squad dominated Indonesia’s Jubilee School, building a commanding 22-9 lead in the first quarter and cruising to a 78-53 win. Forward Hou Guancheng shone with a game-high 22 points, while center Li Junxian notched a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
Assistant coach Wang Zeqi highlighted the tournament’s importance after the game, stating, “This event offers invaluable exposure to diverse playing styles across the Asia-Pacific region. It’s a great challenge for our players to adapt quickly.”
Looking ahead, the Tsinghua University High School boys’ team will face Mongolia’s Orkhon Aimag First Senior High School, while the girls’ team is set to take on Indonesia’s SMAR PENABUR Cirebon.
Yao Ming emphasized the significance of the tournament: “The only way for players to improve is to compete against better opponents. This tournament provides that crucial platform for growth.”
The five-day event runs through June 29, with group stages from June 25-27, followed by single-elimination semifinals and finals on June 28-29.
