Basketball Future Star 2026: US Scouts Aim to Send Thai Athletes to NBA by 2040

Basketball Future Star 2026 is launching an initiative to elevate Thai and Asian basketball standards to an international level. On February 19, 2026, at the S31 Hotel in Bangkok, The Agency College Recruit (AR), Rugby School Bangkok, and Youth Baller League (YBL) announced a tournament series designed to scout and develop young basketball talent. The tournament will be a four-part series throughout 2026, starting in Thailand at Rugby School Thailand in Chonburi from February 21-22. Subsequent tournaments will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Manila, Philippines; and return to Thailand in October. Thomas Duangmanee, CEO of the organization, emphasized the goal of creating opportunities for young athletes to access scholarships and professional sports pathways, with the ultimate vision of seeing Thai athletes enter the NBA by 2040. The project aims to build a bridge for Thai and Asian youth to directly access US education and sports systems. The tournament will feature male and female youth categories in U12, U14, U16, and U18 age groups, including showcases and basketball clinics led by US coaches and scouts.