Event Recap: NBA Rising Stars Invitational

In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Conrad Chow highlights prospects who stood out at the inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational (RSI) after spending the week at Kallang Tennis Hub in Singapore:

As part of the NBA’s continued initiative to expand the game of basketball internationally, it hosted the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Invitational in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Sport Singapore (SportSG), a first-of-its-kind regional U18 high school basketball tournament from June 25-29. This five-day event brought together 22 of the top boys and girls teams from across 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, and host country Singapore.

NBA legend Yao Ming, former WNBA champion Lauren Jackson, and Sacramento Kings All-Star Domantas Sabonis headlined as global ambassadors for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore. They were joined by rising talents in Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, and Keisei Tominaga who helped grace the event. Further, the NBA brought out Miami Heat mascot Burnie, the iconic Laker Girls, and K-pop phenomenon JINI to support the week’s festivities.

After 34 total games played, Kyoto Seika HS (JPN) easily handled Ouyang Girls’ HS (KOR) 109-40 in the girl championship. Meanwhile, Yongsan HS (KOR) pulled off a stunner by emerging victorious over Tsinghua University HS (CHN) 97-48 in the boys division. Both champions captured the first ever Building Ball trophy, created by renowned artist Victor Solomon.

Below, we highlight the standout boys players from the week — names US colleges and basketball fans around the globe should get familiar with.

Event Standouts

Jack Byrne | Berwick College (AUS) | Wing

The younger brother of Central Arkansas forward Truman Byrne, Jack Byrne is an elite connector with strong shoulders and a wide frame. Byrne thrives in a team-oriented system — consistently making the extra pass and keeping the offense flowing. He operates effectively out of the triple-threat stance, showing a high IQ and a calm pace that belies his age. Byrne demonstrates strong vision in the half-court, regularly delivering sharp, on-time passes to cutters and shooters. He also has a viable spot-up jumper from deep. Continued development in lateral quickness and rim finishing will be key to unlocking the next level of his offensive game. With a pedigree of college basketball in his family, Jack appears poised to carve out his own path, potentially following in the footsteps of his older brother with a high-level collegiate future ahead.

Moussa Diakite | National University - Nazareth School (PHL) | Big

One of the most intriguing long-term prospects in attendance, Moussa Diakite made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor and drew attention with his rare blend of physical tools, mobility, and athleticism. A new foreign student to the school, the near 7-foot big man is a walking double-double, averaging 11.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in just 16.3 minutes per contest during the tournament. Diakite brings vocal leadership and is an active communicator on the floor. Offensively, he has a functional handle for his size and flashes straight-line driving ability when attacking closeouts. He showed solid footwork, particularly when operating in the post — effectively using his pivot foot to create angles. He does an excellent job of clearing space in the paint to create driving lanes for teammates and understands how to work off the ball. Defensively, his length and timing make him a natural rim protector. He consistently alters shots and anchors the interior. Finishing through contact and limiting foul trouble will be important next steps in his development. Diakite’s upside is considerable, and with added polish, he projects as a high-ceiling big with real two-way impact at the next level.

Daniel Edi | Yongsan HS (KOR) | Forward

A fan-favorite in the tournament final, Daniel Edi delivered a standout championship performance with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and zero turnovers in just 18 minutes of action after sitting with four fouls — showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor and making a strong case for MVP honors. An undersized big who more than makes up for it with toughness, IQ, and energy, Edi plays much bigger than his listed height. He’s a strong and instinctual rebounder who isn’t afraid to mix it up inside, and he excels at pushing the break or making quick outlet passes to ignite transition offense. Offensively, he brings versatility with a functional handle and a confident face-up jumper, allowing him to attack mismatches from the mid-post or short corner. He also had range out to the three-point line. Additionally, he reads the game well, finds teammates out of double teams, and rarely forces the issue. Edi’s motor, production, and skill set make him a winning player. Despite being undersized for his position, his ability to impact the game in multiple ways gives him real value as a modern, high-IQ forward with international experience, most recently playing for Korea during the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.

Hou Guancheng | Tsinghua University HS (CHN) | Wing

An aggressive downhill wing, Hou Guancheng entered the final averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on an efficient 48% from the field and an impressive 45% from three. He brings relentless energy and consistently puts pressure on defenses with his attack mindset in transition and quick first step. A true slasher, Hou thrives when attacking the paint — using a combination of spin moves, straight-line drives, and a strong frame to get to the rim. He shows excellent body control, often stopping on two feet to absorb contact and finish in traffic. He’s especially dangerous in transition, where his pace, touch, and physicality make him a tough cover in the open floor. While not yet known for his shooting, he showed flashes of confidence in the jumper, particularly in a standout semi-finals performance against Australia where he stepped into shots with rhythm and played with swagger. His development as a shooter continues, with some mechanical adjustments likely to unlock more consistency, release quickness, and range. Hou plays with a competitive edge and doesn't shy away from big moments. As his decision-making sharpens, particularly in recognizing advantageous mismatches and reading help defense, his impact as a downhill scoring swingman will only grow.

Li Guanting | Tsinghua University HS (CHN) | Forward

A physically-gifted power forward, Li Guanting combines size, length, and athleticism with strong instincts — especially on the defensive end. He stood out in the final as his team’s lone bright spot, delivering an assertive 18-point, 7-rebound, 2-block performance that showcased his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Li plays with a high motor and brings toughness in the paint. He’s a physical post scorer who embraces contact and finishes through it, often using his strong frame to drive in straight lines and absorb hits without losing balance. Off the ball, he’s an active slasher who moves well within the flow of the offense and times his cuts to exploit defensive lapses. His highlight two-handed dunk in the final reflected both his vertical pop and confidence. Defensively, Li shows excellent anticipation when rotating from the weak side, using his length to alter shots and create disruption around the rim. While he’s more effective off the ball than on it, he brings energy and edge — often playing with a chippy, competitive demeanor that gives his team an emotional lift. His on-court presence is felt with his physicality, occasional stare-downs, and willingness to battle inside. A developing stretch threat with room to grow as a face-up shooter and playmaker, Li Guanting projects as a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple ways, especially as a spark off the bench in this tournament.

Li Junxian | Tsinghua University High School (CHN) | Big

Standing at 6’11”, Li Junxian offers real size and strength in the frontcourt — traits that give him long-term intrigue as a developing interior big. Selected to participate in the NBA Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia Camp prior to the RSI, Junxian has already earned recognition among China’s most promising young prospects. He projects as a traditional five with natural tools to build around. His physicality allows him to carve out space inside, finish at the rim, and alter shots defensively. While still developing feel and consistency with his hands, particularly in traffic, he’s shown flashes of touch as a finisher around the rim. Junxian is still learning the pace of the game and how to stay effective without picking up quick fouls. As he gains more reps at a higher level, his timing, footwork, and decision-making are expected to sharpen. Increasing his mobility and reaction speed will be key to unlocking more impact in up-tempo settings and defensive rotations. With his frame, raw tools, and invaluable early experience at BWB, Li Junxian is a long-term project worth tracking. 

Mingi Kim | Yongsan HS (KOR) | Forward

An undersized big with a versatile skill set, Mingi Kim was a steady presence for the championship squad, contributing across the board with his all-around productivity and calm demeanor. His poise under pressure and ability to make the right play at the right time made him a valuable asset throughout the tournament. Offensively, Kim displays a soft touch around the rim and a reliable mid-range face-up jumper. He’s effective at using pump fakes to create space and stay composed when defenders close out. Off the ball, he finds open lanes and finishes efficiently. He can also put the ball on the floor as a straight-line driver from the perimeter, and his functional handle gives him the ability to create in short spaces or from the high post. In the low block, he’s a capable post scorer who makes smart reads. Defensively, Kim offers versatility with the ability to switch onto wings and guard multiple positions. Though undersized for a traditional frontcourt role, the RSI MVP plays with maturity, skill, and control. His dependable two-way play and level-headed approach were central to his team’s championship success.

Yoonseo Kim | Yongsan HS (KOR) | Guard

Yoonseo Kim is a confident shooting guard with solid size and a refined skill set that translates well to the next level. Throughout the tournament in Singapore, he lit up the scoreboard from beyond the arc, knocking down eight threes from deep and proving himself as one of the premier perimeter threats in the event. A true spot-up specialist, Kim excels in catch-and-shoot situations. He has clean, compact mechanics with a high release and consistent footwork. His shot prep is advanced — always ready to catch and fire without needing to put the ball on the floor. He relocates well after passes, understands spacing, and consistently finds open windows within the flow of the offense. What makes Kim stand out further is his ability to make quick, on-point passes when defenders close out, showing a high level of feel for the game. He plays within himself, rarely forcing the action, and brings reliable decision-making to the backcourt. With prototypical size for a two guard and elite shooting instincts, Yoonseo Kim is a reliable floor spacer who has interest in playing at the collegiate level. His shooting gravity and offensive efficiency make him a plug-and-play option at the next level.

Geonwoo Kwak | Yongsan HS (KOR) | Guard

Geonwoo Kwak made the most of his two weeks in Singapore, first earning an invitation to the prestigious NBA Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia Camp, then capping it off with a notable performance at the NBA RSI. In the championship game, he delivered a well-rounded stat line with 13 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals. A true lead guard with a high-level basketball IQ, Kwak excels at reading the floor and making timely decisions. He throws accurate pocket passes and consistently creates advantages in the half-court by attacking gaps and manipulating defenders. His handle has some wiggle, allowing him to keep defenders off balance and open up passing lanes. He also brings deep shooting range, making him a threat off the dribble and in pick-and-roll actions. Kwak processes the game quickly and plays with a natural pace that allows him to stay composed, even under pressure. Physically, he moves well and has a solid frame with room to fill out as he matures. With his feel, vision, and ability to shoot and facilitate, Geonwoo Kwak is a viable point guard for any program.

Shaun Brent Lucido | National University - Nazareth School (PHL) | Guard

A smooth three-level scorer with natural touch, Shaun Brent Lucido paced his team with 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game as a shot-maker. Lucido plays with great poise and body control, blending skill and feel to create scoring opportunities from all areas of the floor. He’s a crafty finisher at the rim, using angles and footwork to score through traffic. His mid-range pull-up is a reliable weapon, and he knocked down spot-up threes with balance and confidence. His versatility as a scoring threat who can also make reads and contribute off the ball is a strong value prop for multiple backcourt roles. With an offensive bag to work with and mature feel, Shaun Brent Lucido brings polish and productivity to the guard spot, with clear potential to contribute at the next level.

Yoshinosuke Murakami | Fukudai Ohori Trojans (JPN) | Guard

Introduced to the game by the father of George Washington University Japanese star Yuta Watanabe, Yoshinosuke Murakami is a quick, high-IQ combo guard who plays with pace and looks to involve his teammates early and often. The crafty southpaw can score at all three levels and finishes well with either hand, showing comfort driving both directions and using touch around the rim. Murakami’s passing ability stood out throughout the tournament — zipping accurate cross-court passes, often one-handed, to open shooters. He consistently keeps the ball moving, reads defensive rotations, and takes advantage of breakdowns with opportunistic doubles or skip passes. His decision-making and vision make him a connector on the offensive end. Defensively, he made a strong case as one of the tournament’s best perimeter defenders. He moves his feet well, pressures the ball with intensity, and disrupts passing lanes with quick hands and anticipation. He also competes on the glass, boxing out and tracking rebounds effectively for a guard. Averaging 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 steals per game, Murakami brought consistency and energy on both ends of the floor. As he continues to grow, the next steps in his development include tightening up footwork to reduce traveling violations. With his blend of playmaking, defensive effort, and scoring instincts, Yoshinosuke Murakami is a talented guard prospect with the tools to impact the game in a variety of ways.

Manoel Hajime Santos | Fukudai Ohori Trojans (JPN) | Forward

Holding Brazilian roots, Manoel Hajime Santos brought scoring versatility, putting up 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game on 52% shooting from the field and 38% from deep at this event. Offensively, he operates comfortably as a spot-up shooter with solid mechanics and touch from deep, while also showing craft as a finisher around the rim. He finishes well with either hand and has a composed approach in the paint, using body control and footwork to create angles around defenders. Defensively, he was often tasked with guarding bigger opponents, not backing from the challenge of fighting for inside position. His ability to switch and compete physically adds value, especially when utilized primarily in small-ball lineups. With his blend of perimeter shooting, interior finishing, and defensive flexibility, Manoel Hajime Santos offers a well-rounded presence as a modern hybrid forward.

Wu Shaohao | Tsinghua University HS (CHN) | Guard 

A tough downhill guard, Wu Shaohao impressed throughout the week as the floor general for his squad. He ran the offense with poise and purpose, showcasing his ability to manage the game and execute in the half court. Although foul trouble limited him in the final, Wu’s leadership and impact were felt all tournament long. Wu excelled in pick-and-roll situations, displaying patience, pace, and a high-level understanding of timing. He gets to his spots off the dribble, shows strong acceleration and deceleration control, and creates space with advanced footwork. As a shot creator, he hit several contested threes in rhythm and finished tough drives with his left hand. He’s capable of passing with either hand and consistently makes quick, accurate reads — evidence of his processing speed and decision-making. Defensively, Wu brings intensity and quick foot speed at the point of attack. He pressures the ball, plays the passing lanes well, and embraces physicality on the perimeter.  As he continues to develop, minimizing live-ball turnovers will be an important step in further enhancing his game. With his combination of IQ, toughness, and playmaking, Wu Shaohao projects as a highly competitive guard with two-way upside.

Zane Windsor | Berwick College (AUS) | Guard

Zane Windsor emerged as a key offensive weapon in Singapore, leading his team in scoring with a blend of shooting versatility and perimeter movement. A true perimeter connector in the half court, Windsor plays with great pace and feel, consistently making himself available as a scoring option both on and off the ball. A skilled movement shooter, he thrives running off screens and relocating into space. He possesses a quick release and clean, repeatable shooting mechanics that allow him to get shots off efficiently against contests. While comfortable spotting up, Windsor also showed the ability to create off the dribble, knocking down OTD threes with balance and confidence. Windsor’s off-ball awareness, shooting gravity, and quick decision-making make him an ideal fit in motion offenses. With his shooting pedigree, quick release, and understanding of how to play without the ball, Zane Windsor projects as a perimeter threat with room to grow as a creator.

Additional Notable Players

Rio Enoki | Fukudai Ohori Trojans (JPN) | Guard 

💡➡️ Leadership, floor general, range shooting

Duuren Galsansainkhuvit | Orkhon Aimag 1st HS (MNG) | Guard 

💡➡️ Volume scoring, straight-line driving, positional rebounding

Benjamin Piet Hernusi | Jubilee School (IDN) | Guard 

💡➡️ Confident demeanor, high motor competitor, creative scoring

Kenneth Leebron Huang | Jubilee School (IDN) | Guard

💡➡️ Deep range, OTD craftiness and shiftiness, volume scoring

Leyin Huang | UWC Dover (SGP) | Guard 

💡➡️ Low center of gravity, scoring off of screens, OTD mid-range game

Yu Jian | Tsinghua University HS (CHN) | Guard 

💡➡️ Perimeter shooting, shifty handles, secondary weak side creation

Eshan Kaul | Anglo-Chinese Junior College (SGP) | Forward 

💡➡️ Downhill driving, slashing, all-around scoring

Derrick Lim Chuan Kim | Hin Hua HS (MYS) | Forward 

💡➡️ Mid-range game, playing w/o ball, defensive rebounding

Minjae Kim | Yongsan HS (KOR) | Wing 

💡➡️ Spot-up shooting, extra passing, POA defense

Wang Miaojie | Tsinghua University HS (CHN) | Forward 

💡➡️ Length and physical tools, stretch shooting, defensive versatility

Abhyupang Mishra | Nehru World School (IND) | Big 

💡➡️ Positional size and mobility, effective screen setting, triple threat positioning

Zacharie Morrell | Berwick College (AUS) | Wing 

💡➡️ Wing size, spot-up shooting, weak side penetration

Parker Rivet | Berwick College (AUS) | Guard 

💡➡️ Downhill scoring, guard versatility, connective passing

Jake Shaw | Berwick College (AUS) | Big 

💡➡️ Rim running, offensive rebounding tenacity, locker room presence

Chissanukhom Taranurukkul | Assumption College Thonburi (THA) | Guard 

💡➡️ Perimeter shooting, offensive awareness, drive-and-kick out opportunities

Chester Tulabut | National University - Nazareth School (PHL) | Wing 

💡➡️ Off-ball slashing, finishing at the rim, defensive rebounding 

Jordan Lim Wei Xiong | Anglo-Chinese Junior College (SGP) | Forward 

💡➡️ Paint finishing, effective cutting, extra effort on offensive glass

Jurai Yamamoto | Fukudai Ohori Trojans (JPN) | Forward 

💡➡️ Positional length, post footwork, defensive instincts  

Lukas Zietz | UWC Dover (SGP) | Forward 

💡➡️ Floor spacing, straight-line driving, offensive rebounding 

Zhang Zihan | Tsinghua University HS (CHN) | Wing 

💡➡️ Offensive awareness, secondary driving, perimeter shot contesting