Kyoto Seika and Yongsan High School Clinch Dominant Wins at Inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore
- John Yeong
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Asia’s top high school basketball talent lights up Kallang as NBA’s first regional youth tournament sets the stage for future stars
SINGAPORE, 30 JUNE 2025 – The NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2025 concluded its debut edition with a spectacular showcase of elite youth basketball talent from across Asia-Pacific, culminating in commanding victories by Kyoto Seika Gakuen Senior High School (Japan) in the girls’ final, and Yongsan High School (South Korea) in the boys’ championship game at the Kallang Tennis Hub in Singapore.
With over 1,100 fans in attendance and basketball royalty—including NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis, WNBA legend Lauren Jackson, and B.LEAGUE sharpshooter Keisei Tominaga—watching courtside, the two-day event made a powerful statement: Asia’s next generation of basketball stars has arrived.
Unstoppable Kyoto Seika Storm to Girls' Title
In one of the most one-sided victories of the tournament, Kyoto Seika Gakuen Senior High School (JPN) overwhelmed Onyang Girls’ High School (KOR) with a 109–40 final scoreline. From the opening tip-off, the Japanese side displayed superior tactical execution, led by tournament MVP Hikari Yoshida, who guided the team with poise, speed, and relentless offensive pressure.
Their aggressive full-court press and transition game left the Korean side struggling, with a field goal percentage of just 20.3% compared to Kyoto’s 50%. The Japanese team also capitalised on free throws and controlled both boards, leaving little room for a Korean comeback.
Captain Mika Sakaguchi reflected on the victory:
“We’re honoured to be the first champions of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational. This experience has made us stronger, and we’ve learned so much from facing such physical and fast-paced opponents.”
Yongsan High Dominates the Boys’ Final in Style
The boys’ final saw Yongsan High School (KOR) overpower Tsinghua University High School (CHN) in a commanding 97–48 win. Fueled by MVP Kim Min-gi, team captain Daniel Edi, and forward Kim Tae-in, the Korean side combined for 60 points, executing a dynamic, high-tempo offense that left the Chinese team struggling to respond.
Despite entering the game with modest expectations, Yongsan’s strategic adjustments—focusing on high-percentage two-point plays and fast-break opportunities—proved decisive.
“We had nothing to lose, so we gave it our all,” said MVP Kim Min-gi. “Winning this title and MVP in a tournament like this is something I’ll never forget.”
Rising Stars Invitational: A New Era for Asian Youth Basketball
Held from June 25–29, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational marked the league’s first regional high school tournament, bringing together boys’ and girls’ teams from 11 countries across Asia-Pacific.
Hosted by NBA Singapore in partnership with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the event is part of a broader initiative to grow basketball across Asia through youth-focused programming and elite competition platforms.
Beyond competition, the tournament emphasized cultural exchange, with teams gaining invaluable experience competing internationally—many for the first time.
“This was our first time playing outside of Japan,” said Kyoto Seika head coach Tsunayoshi Yamamoto. “We were nervous, but the support and hospitality helped us stay focused. More than the results, what we value most is the cultural exchange and learning we gained.”
NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis praised the talent on display:
“These young athletes are doing things we never even dreamed of at their age. It’s amazing to see how the game continues to evolve around the world.”
A Promising Future for Youth Basketball in Asia
With its resounding success, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational has laid the foundation for a bright future for youth basketball in Asia. From unforgettable performances to valuable cross-cultural experiences, the tournament has sparked a new level of excitement for the sport in the region.
Whether it was the fierce competitiveness of Kyoto Seika and Yongsan High, or the energy of the sold-out crowd, one thing is clear: the next generation of basketball talent in Asia is rising—and the world is watching. #Basketball #NBARisingStarsInvitational
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