When LNGSHOT arrived at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2026 in Singapore, they were stepping into a space built for a different kind of rising star. The event brought together young basketball talents from across the region, but for LNGSHOT, it was also a chance to meet a new crowd — one that may have come for the game, but left with a first impression of the group.
Speaking to Bandwagon at the tournament, the members reflected on what they share with young athletes: pressure, ambition, discipline, and the need to keep going even when the journey looks different for everyone. They also opened up about basketball dreams, what they would want to learn from the players, and why Jay Park remains one of their biggest sources of inspiration.
View this post on Instagram
The NBA Rising Stars Invitational is all about celebrating the next generation. As artists who are also at the start of your journey, what message would you like to share with the young athletes competing here?
WOOJIN: We actually got to meet the Korean team earlier today, and… I don’t know, there’s something about meeting people from your home country when you’re overseas that makes you feel connected to them, even if you’ve never met before.
But not just the Korean players — seeing athletes from so many different countries giving it their all has been really inspiring. I hope every one of them succeeds someday.
Everyone reaches their goals at a different pace, so I just hope they keep working hard and stay in it for the long run. That’s something we need to do too.
View this post on Instagram
Many people here may be discovering LNGSHOT for the first time because they came for basketball. When you’re performing for a new audience like this, how do you hope to leave a lasting impression?
RYUL: I just hope people remember us as a group that’s full of energy, vibrant, and has a really unique charm.
If you had the chance to exchange advice with the young athletes competing here, what’s one thing you’d like to learn from them, and what’s one thing you’d hope they could learn from you?
LOUIS: Something I’d like to learn from the players? Probably… proper shooting form. I’d really like someone to teach me.
WOOJIN: Honestly, you really do need to learn.
LOUIS: I don’t think you’re the one who should be saying that… Everyone here is so good at basketball. I’ve always dreamed of doing a dunk, so maybe one day I’ll be able to show you guys.
OHYUL: You’ll definitely be able to do it soon.
WOOJIN: Personally, if there’s one thing I could teach the players, it’d be how not to grow any taller. That’s probably the only thing I can help with.
OHYUL: That’s true.
WOOJIN: Go to bed late…
OHYUL: Right.
WOOJIN: …And don’t eat too much.
The tournament celebrates rising stars from across different backgrounds and countries. Is there someone whose journey has inspired LNGSHOT, whether in music, sports, or another field, and what about them has stayed with you?
WOOJIN: I think definitely Jay Park, because he chose us and, in a way, he’s the person who gave us the life we’re living now. Whatever the question is, my answer is always Jay Park.
LOUIS: He’s our CEO but, I mean, even if he’s our CEO, he kind of feels more like a dad to us, so we’re always looking up to him. He always teaches us stuff.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
11