Armenian Basketball Star Yura Melikyan Selected in NBA G League International Draft
Yura Melikyan, a rising Armenian basketball talent, has made headlines after being selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NBA G League International Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the affiliate team of the Houston Rockets.
The selection of Yura Melikyan marks a significant achievement for both the player and Armenian basketball. At just 20 years old, Melikyan has been making waves in the basketball community, showcasing his skills in Europe and on the international stage.
Most recently, he excelled at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B tournament, where he averaged 17.7 points and a tournament-best 13.7 rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers’ decision to draft him indicates their confidence in his potential to contribute to the team should he choose to join.
This selection not only highlights Melikyan’s individual talent but also serves as a testament to the growth of basketball in Armenia, as players like him continue to gain recognition through pathways such as the NBA G League.