Three weeks before the event, the NBA revealed the names of the players who will compete in the Rising Stars Challenge 2024this meeting which brings together the best rookies, sophomores and now G-League youth.
Among the rookies, there is no real surprise. Number one in the last Draft and now favorite for the Rookie of the Year title, Victor Wembanyama is there, just like his compatriot, friend and ex-teammate Bilal Coulibaly. In addition to our two French people, Chet Holmgren, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, Jaime Jaquez Jr, Derek Lively II, Brandin Podziemski, Cason Wallace, Jordan Hawkins as well as Keyonte George were retained.
Notable among those absent: the Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar, and Cam Whitmore.
Sophomore side, Paolo Banchero, the reigning Rookie of the Year, is obviously in the game. Same thing for Bennedict Mathurin, Jalen Williams, Jabari Smith, Keegan Murray, Shaedon Sharpe, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler And Dyson Daniels.
Note the absences of Jeremy Sochan, Mark Williams, Andrew Nembhard and Tari Eason.
Finally, as for the young people of the G-Leaguewe will note the presence of Matas Buzelis And Ron Hollandexpected to be drafted very high, without forgetting those of the spectacular Mac McClung, Izan Almansa, Tyler Smith, Oscar Tshiebwe And Alondes Williams.
The format does not change
As a reminder, the 2024 edition of the Rising Stars Challenge will be identical to that of the last two years, using the “Elam Ending” format in a tournament pitting four teams made up of seven players each (numbers determined after a Draft). They will face each other in two semi-finals then in a final, next Friday February 16.
During the semi-finals, teams must reach a score of 40, with the first to do so advancing to the final. The two winners will then have to reach a score of 25 during the final meeting.
Note that the captains of the four teams will be former NBA and WNBA stars: Pau Gasol, Detlef Schrempf, Jalen Rose and finally Tamika Catchings.
Summary of the selected
— Rookies (11) : Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Scoot Henderson (Blazers), Brandon Miller (Hornets), Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Heat), Derek Lively II (Mavericks), Brandin Podziemski (Warriors), Keyonte George (Jazz), Cason Wallace (Thunder), Jordan Hawkins (Pelicans)
— Sophomores (10) : Paolo Banchero (Magic), Jalen Williams (Thunder), Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers), Jalen Duren (Pistons), Keegan Murray (Kings), Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets), Shaedon Sharpe (Blazers), Jaden Ivey (Pistons) , Walker Kessler (Jazz), Dyson Daniels (Pelicans)
— G-League (7) : Matas Buzelis, Ron Holland, Mac McClung, Izan Almansa, Tyler Smith, Oscar Tshiebwe, Alondes Williams
