Kyrie Irving headlines the list of sophomores participating in the 2013 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, while Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Hornets forward Anthony Davis lead the top rookies in the 2013 NBA All-Star event.
Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard lead NBA Rising Stars Challenge pool
The NBA announced the 2013 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge players on Wednesday.
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Irving, also an All-Star selection, is averaging 23.9 points and 5.5 assists a game for the Cavaliers. Davis leads all rookies in blocks (1.8) and is tied in rebounds (7.6 per game), while Lillard leads rookies in scoring at 18.1 points and 6.6 assists per game.
Each class is composed of nine players, and they will break into teams drafted by TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. Last year was the first time the teams were picked via the school-yard method. O’Neal and Barkley will pick their teams during a Feb. 7 TNT broadcast at 7 p.m. ET.
The game will air live on TNT at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 15.
Here are how the rosters fill out with a few notable omissions from the selections:
Sophomores
Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Rookies
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
Anthony Davis (New Orleans Hornets)
Harrison Barnes (Warriors)
Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Bobcats)
Dion Waiters (Cavaliers)
Tyler Zeller (Cavaliers)
Notable omissions
Isaiah Thomas (Kings, sophomore)
Jared Sullinger (Celtics, rookie)
Jimmy Butler (Bulls, sophomore)
Derrick Williams (Timberwolves, sophomore)
Terrence Ross (Raptors, rookie)
Enes Kanter (Jazz, sophomore)
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