Armenian forward Yura Melikyan has been selected in the 2026 NBA G League International Draft. Melikyan was chosen with the 16th overall pick by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets. The selection gives Rio Grande Valley his NBA G League rights should he join the league. The 20‑year‑old continues to rise through the professional ranks after competing in Europe and representing Armenia on the international stage. Melikyan most recently starred at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B, averaging 17.7 points and a tournament‑best 13.7 rebounds per game. His selection marks another milestone for Armenian basketball, with Melikyan earning recognition through the NBA G League pathway. #armeniansportsnews #nbagleague #basketball #armenia #rgvvipers