Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor have been named to the U.S. team for the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend in Toronto. The game will be held the evening of Feb. 12 at Air Canada Centre.
Noel returns to the event after being named to the U.S. team last season. He is averaging 10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds (team high), 1.6 blocks and 1.6 steals this season. Okafor makes his first appearance in his rookie year. He leads the Sixers and all rookies with 17.4 points per game, along with 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
For the third time in team history, the Sixers will have more than one player in the event. Three played in 2015 (Noel, Robert Covington, Michael Carter-Williams) and two participated in 2005 (Andre Iguodala, Kyle Korver).
“On behalf of the entire Sixers organization, we are proud that Nerlens and Jahlil were recognized for their talent, hard work and commitment to their craft," Sixers president and general manager Sam Hinkie said in a statement. "This is a recognition both for them and their families, who have sacrificed and supported Nerlens and Jahlil during every step of their basketball journeys. This is another significant accomplishment in their young careers, and we truly hope that Nerlens and Jahlil will enjoy the opportunities and experiences that All-Star Weekend has to offer as representatives of the Sixers.”
Each team is made up of 10 rookies and sophomores. The rosters were selected by NBA assistant coaches. They chose four guards, four frontcourt players and two at either position for each squad.
The Sixers bigs will join Jordan Clarkson (Lakers), Rodney Hood (Jazz), Zach LaVine (Timberwolves), Jabari Parker (Bucks), Elfrid Payton (Magic), D’Angelo Russell (Lakers), Marcus Smart (Celtics) and Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves) on the U.S. squad.
The World team is comprised of Bojan Bogdanovic (Nets), Clint Capela (Rockets), Mario Hezonja (Magic), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Nikola Mirotic (Bulls), Emmanuel Mudiay (Nuggets), Raul Neto (Jazz), Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks), Dwight Powell (Mavericks) and Andrew Wiggins (Timberwolves).
NBA
Noel and Okafor will try to put the U.S. team on the winning track. Last year, the World team won, 121-112.