The second NBA Rising Stars Invitational tipped off on Wednesday at the OCBC Arena, delivering an exciting opening day filled with high-scoring performances, international competition and memorable experiences for some of the region’s most promising young basketball talents.

Eight games were played across two courts as teams from across Asia-Pacific began their quest for tournament glory. In the girls’ division, Yali High School, Rowville Secondary College, Gwangju Speer Girls’ High School and Heep Yunn School opened their campaigns with impressive victories, while Far Eastern University-Diliman High School, Berwick College, Kyungbock High School and Tsinghua University High School emerged victorious in the boys’ division.

Before the action tipped off, fans were treated to a vibrant Opening Ceremony featuring performances from Filipino girl group Kaia, South Korean beatbox-acapella act Beatpella House and the Houston Rockets’ famed Anti-Gravity entertainment crew. The event was further elevated by appearances from Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, NBA champion Mitch Richmond and WNBA legend Lauren Jackson, who inspired players and spectators alike.

Taiwan’s Yali High School produced the most dominant performance of the day, overwhelming Singapore’s Nanyang Polytechnic 110-14 in a one-sided contest. Despite the lopsided scoreline, players from both teams highlighted the unique opportunity to compete on an international stage.

“I think this is a great learning opportunity for me,” said Yali’s Yuan Zixi. “It’s also a very good chance for me to showcase myself on such a great platform and to perform on the international stage.”

Nanyang Polytechnic’s Rui Min Jazlyn Eng echoed those sentiments. “For us it’s a privilege,” she said. “Singapore is quite a small nation, and being able to send two teams and one being NYP is really such a great opportunity.”

In the boys’ division, Australia’s Berwick College made an immediate impression with a commanding 91-35 victory over Malaysia’s Bukit Jalil. Jake Shaw credited the team’s collective effort after the win. “It was a good team game. We all contributed, moved the ball around and everyone had a good game.”

Defending Korea’s strong basketball reputation appeared to be on the minds of Kyungbock High School as they defeated Jubilee School 91-49. Following last year’s championship success by fellow Korean side Yongsan High School, Kyungbock arrived with lofty ambitions.

“Our goal is definitely to win the championship,” said Yoon Jiwon. “Last year, Yongsan High School won the inaugural tournament and helped raise the profile of Korean basketball. We want to carry on that legacy and bring home another championship.”

Meanwhile, China’s Tsinghua University High School showcased their quality in a 96-55 victory over Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education. Tsinghua’s Shanuo Wu described the tournament as both a basketball and cultural learning experience.

“It’s a great opportunity to make friends from all over, and also to experience the playing styles and basketball cultures of teams from different countries.”

One of the recurring themes throughout opening day was the educational value of international competition. Hong Kong’s Heep Yunn School defeated Singapore’s Hwa Chong Institution 67-38 in the girls’ division, with player Wa Yan Leung noting the physicality and pace of competition compared to what she experiences at home.

“Aside from Hong Kong, the physical competitiveness of the players from other places is much stronger,” she said. “I also saw what my own shortcomings are, and I hope to bring this level of physical competitiveness back to Hong Kong.”

For Hwa Chong’s Kong Qian Ya, the game offered a valuable reality check. “The international intensity is really different from what we expected. We do not have such intensity locally.”

That lesson was equally evident in the boys’ competition, where Hwa Chong Institution fell 89-24 to the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws from the Philippines. While the result was difficult, there were signs of growth as the game progressed.

After struggling in the first half, Hwa Chong showed greater fight and organisation following the break. The team reduced unforced errors, moved the ball more effectively from side to side and displayed improved composure against a physically stronger opponent. The scoreline remained heavily in FEU-Diliman’s favour entering the fourth quarter, but Hwa Chong’s second-half response demonstrated resilience and highlighted the experience they will carry forward into the remainder of the tournament.

Captain Wei Hen Tan reflected on the opportunity after the game. “This is an eye-opening experience for us that allows us to improve our basketball skills and become better in this sport. We will do our best to honour our country.”

With opening-day nerves now behind them, teams will return to the OCBC Arena on Thursday as pool play continues. The remaining schools will make their tournament debuts while the opening-day winners look to build momentum toward the knockout stages.

If the first day is any indication, fans can expect more fast-paced action, high-scoring performances and valuable international competition as the next generation of basketball talent continues to shine at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational.

Photo Credit: NBA Rising Stars Invitational

The NBA Rising Stars Invitational takes place from 23rd to 28th June 2026 at OCBC Arena, The Kallang. Tickets available here