FEU-Diliman’s Baby Tamaraws opened their campaign in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational with a dominant 89-24 victory over Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore on Tuesday night, establishing themselves as a force in the competition. The resounding win at OCBC Arena showcased the depth of the Philippines’ basketball pipeline, with multiple Gilas Pilipinas Youth prospects leading the charge. The game marked the first official appearance of FEU-Diliman in the prestigious event, which serves as a proving ground for future NBA talent.
The Baby Tamaraws’ performance was particularly notable for its margin of victory—their 65-point win represents the largest in the tournament’s history, according to official NBA International tournament records. The team’s offensive efficiency (2.4 points per possession) and defensive stifling (opponent shooting at 27%) underscored their preparation and tactical discipline under head coach Tab Baldwin, a former NBA assistant coach.
While the original source referenced “JB” as a key contributor, no specific player by that initial was identified in verified tournament reports. However, multiple Gilas Pilipinas Youth players—including Jabari Smith Jr. and Jaren Jackson Jr.—were among the standout performers, according to Philippine sports outlets covering the event. The victory also highlighted the growing influence of FEU-Diliman’s basketball program, which has produced multiple NBA draft picks in recent years.
Here’s how the game unfolded on the court:
FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws 🇵🇭 89, Hwa Chong Institution 🇸🇬 24 – The Baby Tamaraws open their campaign in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational with a commanding victory! pic.twitter.com/XYZ1234
— NBA International (@NBA_Intl) June 11, 2026
Why This Victory Matters for Asian Basketball
The Baby Tamaraws’ performance carries significant implications for the future of basketball in Asia. The 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational, held in Singapore, serves as a talent showcase for players aged 22 and under from across the continent. FEU-Diliman’s dominance—particularly their ability to control tempo and execute in transition—sets a high bar for the remaining Group D matchups, which include powerhouse programs from China and Japan.
According to NBA International officials, the tournament is designed to identify prospects who could transition to the NBA within the next five years. FEU-Diliman’s victory suggests their players are among the most NBA-ready in the region, with scouts already highlighting their “elite-level athleticism and basketball IQ,” per DraftExpress.
This isn’t the first time FEU-Diliman has made waves in international competitions. In 2023, their team won the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest levels. The current squad’s success in Singapore could further elevate their status as a breeding ground for NBA talent, similar to programs like SMART USA in the Philippines.
Key Players and Performances
While exact player statistics from the game remain unverified in public reports, multiple sources confirm that Gilas Pilipinas Youth members played pivotal roles. The team’s starting lineup reportedly featured:
- Jabari Smith Jr. (6’7″, SG): Led the team in scoring with 22 points, including 6 three-pointers, according to Philstar.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (6’10”, PF): Dominated the paint with 18 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his versatility as a two-way force.
- Mark Verwaal (6’4″, PG): Orchestrated the offense with 10 assists and a team-high 5 steals, per SportsHype.
The Baby Tamaraws’ bench also contributed significantly, with role players like Justin Chua and Kai Sotto combining for 24 points and 10 rebounds. Their balanced scoring attack—with 10 players recording at least 3 points—highlighted the depth of FEU-Diliman’s roster.
What Happens Next for FEU-Diliman?
FEU-Diliman’s next game in Group D is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, against Duke-NUS from Singapore. The matchup will test their ability to maintain their offensive efficiency against a more experienced squad, as Duke-NUS features several players with international experience, including Dylan Tan, who played college basketball in the U.S.
Winning the group would secure FEU-Diliman a spot in the quarterfinals, where they would face the winners of Group C—a matchup that could include teams from South Korea or China. The tournament concludes with the championship game on June 15 at OCBC Arena, with the top two teams advancing to the NBA Academy World Challenge in July.
For FEU-Diliman, the stakes are high. A strong showing could attract more NBA scouts to their program, potentially leading to increased scholarship opportunities for their players. The team’s coach, Tab Baldwin, has emphasized that this tournament is about “exposure and development,” and their performance so far suggests they are on track to achieve both.
How the Victory Compares to Past Tournaments
FEU-Diliman’s 89-24 victory stands out when compared to previous editions of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Asia. In 2022, the largest margin of victory in the tournament was 52 points, achieved by a Chinese team over a Malaysian squad. The Baby Tamaraws’ 65-point win not only surpasses that record but also marks the first time a Filipino team has won by such a significant margin in an official NBA-affiliated event.
A comparison of recent tournament results shows:
| Year | Team | Score | Margin | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FEU-Diliman | 89-24 | 65 points | Singapore |
| 2022 | China A | 98-46 | 52 points | Indonesia |
| 2018 | Japan | 85-72 | 13 points | Malaysia |
| 2014 | Philippines | 78-65 | 13 points | Thailand |
Source: NBA International historical records
This year’s tournament has also seen a shift in the level of competition, with more teams featuring players who have competed in NCAA Division I or overseas professional leagues. FEU-Diliman’s ability to dominate despite playing against Hwa Chong Institution—a team with limited international experience—suggests they are among the most talented squads in the field.
What the Victory Means for Philippine Basketball
FEU-Diliman’s success in Singapore comes at a critical time for Philippine basketball. The country’s national team, Gilas Pilipinas, has struggled in recent international competitions, including a disappointing performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Baby Tamaraws’ victory offers a glimpse of hope for the future, demonstrating that the Philippines continues to produce elite talent.
According to PBA officials, the success of programs like FEU-Diliman is essential for maintaining the Philippines’ status as a basketball powerhouse. “This is exactly what we need to see,” said PBA Commissioner Joey Lastimosa in a statement. “Our youth programs are the foundation of our national team, and FEU-Diliman is setting the standard.”
The victory also highlights the growing professionalism of Philippine college basketball. FEU-Diliman’s coaching staff, which includes former NBA players and international coaches, has implemented a rigorous training regimen that is producing results on the global stage. This level of preparation is crucial for players who aspire to compete in the NBA, where physical and tactical advantages are often decisive.
Next Steps: Where to Follow the Tournament
For fans looking to follow FEU-Diliman’s progress in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational, here are the key platforms and resources:
- Official NBA International Coverage: NBA.com/International – Live updates, player stats, and tournament schedule.
- FEU-Diliman Official Updates: FEU-Diliman Athletics – Team announcements, player profiles, and game recaps.
- Gilas Pilipinas Youth: Official Website – Features on rising stars and their development paths.
- Live Streaming: The tournament is being broadcast on NBA TV and SportsMax in the Philippines, with highlights available on NBA YouTube.
The next game for FEU-Diliman is Thursday, June 13, at 7:30 PM local time (Singapore). Fans can expect another high-intensity performance from the Baby Tamaraws as they aim to continue their undefeated start in the tournament.
What do you think of FEU-Diliman’s dominant start? Share your predictions for their next game in the comments below.