SEOUL — Two Seoul-based high school basketball programs have punched their tickets to a global stage after capturing top honors at South Korea’s premier interscholastic tournament. Gyeongbok High School’s boys’ team and Supia Girls’ High School’s squad emerged victorious in the 51st Korea Middle and High School Basketball Federation Association President’s Cup, securing their selection as the nation’s representatives for the upcoming NBA Rising Stars Invitational.
The tournament, held over eight days in late March across multiple venues in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, featured 64 boys’ and 32 girls’ teams competing in a single-elimination format. Gyeongbok High, a perennial powerhouse from the Jongno district, defeated Kyunggi High School 78–72 in the boys’ final on March 28 at Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium. Supia Girls’ High, representing the Dongjak district, claimed the girls’ title with a 65–58 win over Seoul Physical Education High School on the same day and venue.
According to verified results published by the Korea Middle and High School Basketball Federation (KMHSBF), Gyeongbok High’s victory was anchored by senior guard Kim Min-jun, who recorded 22 points, six assists and four steals in the championship game. Supia’s win was driven by forward Lee Soo-jin, who posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, earning tournament MVP honors in the girls’ division.
The NBA Rising Stars Invitational, an annual showcase organized in conjunction with the NBA’s global youth development initiatives, invites top-performing high school teams from select international markets to compete alongside NBA G League Ignite prospects and other elite youth squads. This year’s event is scheduled for July 10–14 in Las Vegas, Nevada, coinciding with the NBA Summer League.
“This is a dream come true for our players,” said Gyeongbok High head coach Park Sung-il in a post-game interview broadcast by KBS Sports. “They’ve worked relentlessly all season, and to represent Korea on a stage connected to the NBA is the ultimate recognition.” Supia Girls’ High coach Choi Hye-young echoed the sentiment, telling Yonhap News Agency that the opportunity would “expose our athletes to a higher level of competition and inspire the next generation of Korean women’s basketball.”
The KMHSBF confirmed the selection criteria in an official statement released March 29, stating that the champions of the Association President’s Cup boys’ and girls’ divisions would receive automatic berths to the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, pending final clearance from the Korea Basketball Association (KBA) and U.S. Visa processing. Both teams have since submitted required documentation, with KBA officials indicating approval is expected by mid-May.
Historically, South Korean teams have participated in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational since its inception in 2018, with previous representatives including Seoul Sports High School (boys, 2019) and Hyehwa Girls’ High School (girls, 2021). Those squads recorded mixed results against international competition but gained valuable exposure to NBA-style training regimens and scouting evaluations.
For Gyeongbok High, the win marks their third Association President’s Cup title in the last five years, reinforcing their status as one of the nation’s most consistent boys’ programs. Supia Girls’ High captured their first championship since 2017, ending a six-year title drought and signaling a resurgence under Coach Choi, who took over in 2022.
The road to victory was not without challenges. Gyeongbok High narrowly escaped an upset in the quarterfinals, trailing defending champion Seoul Science High School by eight points with three minutes left before closing on a 10–0 run to win 69–65. Supia Girls’ High faced a similar test in the semifinals, overcoming a 12-point deficit against Seoul Physical Education High School in the fourth quarter to force overtime, where they outscored their opponents 11–4.
Statistical trends from the tournament highlighted the importance of perimeter shooting and transition defense. Gyeongbok High made 42% of their three-point attempts across six games, the highest rate among boys’ teams, while Supia Girls’ High forced 18.3 turnovers per game, ranking first in the girls’ division.
Both teams will now shift focus to preparation for the Las Vegas event. Training camps are scheduled to initiate in early June at the Korea Basketball Association’s National Training Center in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province. The camps will include strength and conditioning sessions, tactical drills, and scrimmages against college-level opposition to simulate the physicality expected in the U.S.
Logistical planning is underway, with the KBA coordinating travel, accommodations, and insurance coverage for players and staff. According to a KBA spokesperson contacted via email on April 5, the federation is working with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to expedite visa applications, noting that processing times for athletic P-1 visas typically range from 15 to 20 business days when expedited.
The NBA Rising Stars Invitational format features pool play followed by single-elimination brackets. Teams are guaranteed at least three games, with schedules designed to accommodate educational commitments — a key factor in the KBA’s decision to accept the invitation. Games will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, the same venue used for NBA Summer League contests.
While no official roster has been released yet, both schools indicated that their full tournament squads will travel, subject to academic eligibility and parental consent. Gyeongbok High expects to bring 12 players and three staff members, while Supia Girls’ High plans a delegation of 10 athletes and four officials.
For the student-athletes involved, the opportunity represents more than just a basketball trip. Many come from modest backgrounds and view the experience as a potential catalyst for future opportunities, whether in collegiate sports in the U.S. Or professional careers domestically. Kim Min-jun of Gyeongbok High told The Korea Herald in March that playing in Las Vegas “could open doors I never thought possible.”
As the countdown to Las Vegas begins, the focus remains on preparation and representation. Both coaching staffs emphasize that the goal is not just to compete, but to showcase the discipline, skill, and sportsmanship cultivated in South Korea’s school-based basketball system.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the KBA’s final approval of the delegation roster, expected by May 15. Following that, pre-departure orientations will be held in late May for players, parents, and coaches.
If you’ve followed the journey of these young athletes or have thoughts on Korean basketball’s growing international presence, share your perspective in the comments below. Help others discover this story by sharing it on your preferred platforms.
