After three weeks of screening, selection, training, and competitive challenges, the VBA identified 24 outstanding athletes to participate in the VBA Rookie Draft 2026, an event that offers new players the opportunity to officially compete through team selections.
At the Draft on 17/4, the selection order for the teams was determined by a lottery draw. There were six picks, corresponding to six teams, with each pick revealed after a ball spin. The number of balls each team possessed was based on their ranking from last year's regular season (VBA Regular Season 2025).
Ho Chi Minh City Wings had the most opportunities with six balls but secured only the third pick, while Cantho Catfish, with just three balls, fortunately landed the first pick. The Cantho representatives selected young talent Lam Binh Duy, and Ho Chi Minh City Wings brought in Nguyen Hong Son. For the second pick, Danang Dragons chose local player Le Trung Bao Khang.
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The three athletes Lam Binh Duy, Nguyen The Dang, and Tran Minh Tien (from left to right) celebrate after the VBA Draft 2026, held on 17/4. *Photo: VBA* |
The remaining three athletes selected were Tran Minh Tien, Nguyen The Dang, and Lee Ha Huan (of Korean origin), who joined Nha Trang Dolphins, Saigon Heat, and defending champions Hanoi Buffaloes, respectively. Following the event, teams and athletes have three days to negotiate and sign playing contracts. Athletes who sign a contract will receive a reward of up to 20 million dong.
The VBA Rookie Draft concludes the VBA Combine Series 2026, the largest athlete selection event ever organized by the VBA. This series was structured through four consecutive stages, beginning on 29/3, to scout, train, evaluate, and pave the way for young talents to enter the professional basketball environment.
The 11th season of the VBA is expected to commence in May 2026, introducing many innovations in media rights, production technology, and player development strategies. FPT Play, the official television rights holder and a strategic partner of the VBA, will pilot the production of high-quality matches starting this season.
Vy Anh
