Basketball Future Star 2026 is organized to attract U.S. scouts to find Asia’s rising stars competing for overseas scholarships, aiming to send Thai youth to the NBA by 2040.
Thailand marks a new chapter in youth basketball by hosting the “Basketball Future Star Tournament 2026” (Road to USA), the first international tournament of its kind in Asia. It offers a platform for U.S. scouts and coaches to discover Asia’s young talents, guiding them toward professional careers and overseas scholarships, with a long-term goal to propel Thai players to the NBA by 2040.
On 19 February 2026 at the S31 Hotel in Sukhumvit, Bangkok, The Agency College Recruit (AR) joined forces with Rugby School Bangkok and Youth Baller League (YBL) to announce the tournament’s readiness. The first event will be held in Thailand from 21-22 February 2026 at Rugby School Thailand in Chonburi.
The press conference was honored by Mr. Nipon Chawalitmontri, President of the Basketball Association of Thailand, who presided over the event, alongside Mr. Natthapon Tipsuwan, Chairman of the Basketball Future Star Tournament (Road to USA), Mr. Ton Narong, sports management expert and Professional Sports Committee member, Mr. Thanakorn Duangmanee, CEO and founder of The Agency College Recruit, Mr. Kritphas Patanakarn, Youth Basketball League (YBL) manager, Mr. John Alexander (CEO, Global Squad), and parents of scholarship athletes Mr. Thanan Banjongdee and Mr. Worawit Worawattana.
The tournament series will feature four events throughout 2026, starting in Thailand at Rugby School Thailand, Chonburi, on 21-22 February. The second event is scheduled for 2-3 May 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; the third on 25-26 July 2026 in Manila, Philippines; and the final event will return to Rugby School Thailand, Chonburi, in October.
Mr. Thanakorn Duangmanee revealed that this tournament aims to raise the standards of Thai and Asian athletes to compete internationally on par with the United States. U.S. university coaches will scout players directly, with the goal of guiding them to scholarships and professional sports careers at both high school and university levels. The ultimate ambition is to see Thai players reach the NBA by 2040.
The project’s key objective is to build a bridge for Thai and Asian youth athletes to enter the U.S. education and sports system through a five-year roadmap, providing opportunities to showcase their talents before coaches and scouts from leading U.S. universities who will attend in person to select players.
Mr. Nipon Chawalitmontri, President of the Basketball Association of Thailand, stated that the initiative aligns with the association’s strategy to develop athletes from the grassroots level. Having U.S. scouts evaluate individual potential offers a vital opportunity for young players and their parents to clearly see pathways to professional careers.
Mr. Natthapon Tipsuwan, former Minister of Education and vice president of the association and tournament chairman, emphasized that developing Thai youth must balance education and sports. This tournament is not just a competition but a process that builds discipline and educational opportunities, covering players from young beginners to female youth, laying the foundation for future national teams.
The tournament will feature boys’ and girls’ youth categories: U12, U14, U16, and U18. Alongside the exciting competition, activities include showcases and basketball clinics led by U.S. coaches scouting players directly. All events will be held at Rugby School Thailand in Chonburi, which offers international-standard facilities, inviting basketball fans and interested parties to support Thailand’s future stars on their journey.
Mr. Ton Narong concluded that this project represents the most comprehensive athlete development model ever in Thailand, connecting youth levels, competitions, skill assessments, academic preparation, and concrete opportunities to advance globally. If sustained, it will elevate Thai basketball standards to gain lasting international recognition.
Additionally, Mr. Kritphas Patanakarn, representing Youth Basketball League (YBL), spoke about the collaboration with AR Consulting to elevate Thai youth basketball to international standards. He revealed plans to send six YBL athletes to the U.S. for a three-week intensive training camp in April, combining professional coaching, individual evaluations, and academic preparation.
Mr. John Alexander (CEO, Global Squad) shared that partnering with AR Consulting creates pathways to U.S. universities and professional sports. Over the past 10-20 years, Global Squad has successfully helped athletes enter various U.S. university programs and progress to professional careers both on and off the court.
Parents of scholarship athletes, Mr. Thanan Banjongdee and Mr. Worawit Worawattana, shared their experiences sending their children to study and play basketball in the U.S. through AR Academy. They highlighted the benefits of a system that develops individual potential alongside academics, while also noting challenges in adaptation. They advised parents to plan long-term and consider their children’s holistic development carefully.
The first event of the “Basketball Future Star Tournament 2026” (Road to USA) will take place from 21-22 February 2026 at Rugby School Thailand in Chonburi.