A grand opening ceremony tips off the NBA Rising Stars Invitational at the Kallang Tennis Centre in Singapore, June 25, 2025. /NBA

The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational, hosted by the National Basketball Association, got underway with both pomp and competition at the Kallang Tennis Centre in Singapore, with teams from 11 countries and regions across the Asia-Pacific Region, including the boys and girls squads from Tsinghua University High School, taking to the court to vie for the title.

The opening ceremony set the stage with Miami Heat mascot "Burnie" energizing the crowd, followed by a dazzling performance from the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleaders. The event was also graced by NBA legend Yao Ming, two-time WNBA champion Lauren Jackson, current Phoenix Suns players Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, and Keisei Tominaga from Japan's B.League.

Players compete in a game between China's Tsinghua High School girls team and Thailand's Watnoinoppakhun School girls team at the Kallang Tennis Centre in Singapore, June 25, 2025. /NBA

Wednesday marked the first day of action, featuring seven games, with the Tsinghua University High School's boys and girls squads making their debuts.

The girls team faced Thailand's Watnoinoppakhun School. After trailing early, center Zhuang Qiqi and guard Li Yixuan led a stirring comeback, en route to a 74-60 victory. Xu Anqi and Li Yixuan shared the scoring lead with 19 points apiece.

The boys squad overwhelmed Indonesia's Jubilee School, building a 22-9 edge in the first quarter before cruising to a 78-53 win. Forward Hou Guancheng scored a game-high 22 points, while center Li Junxian recorded a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double.

Players compete in a game between China's Tsinghua High School boys team and Indonesia's Jubilee School boys team at the Kallang Tennis Centre in Singapore, June 25, 2025. /NBA

Assistant coach Wang Zeqi noted after the game that the tournament offers invaluable exposure to diverse playing styles across the Asia-Pacific Region, challenging players to adapt quickly.

The Tsinghua University High School boys team will next face Mongolia's Orkhon Aimag First Senior High School, with the girls team set to take on Indonesia's SMAR PENABUR Cirebon.

Yao Ming (M) delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational at the Kallang Tennis Centre in Singapore, June 25, 2025. /NBA

Yao Ming, speaking to media, emphasized the event's significance: "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 held from June 25-27 followed by single-elimination semifinals and finals on June 28-29.

Source: CGTN