2024 NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge

Last Modified Feb 20, 2024 15:28 GMT
Rising Stars Challenge
2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge

The NBA All-Star Weekend has continually evolved to attract NBA enthusiasts worldwide. Among many events of the All-Star weekend, the NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge stands out as an exciting showcase of emerging young talent, providing fans a glimpse into the future of the league.

Established in 1994 as the Rookie Challenge, the event underwent several name changes before becoming the Rising Stars Challenge in 2012. Previously, there were “Rookies vs Sophomore” games played in this event, and later from 2015 to 2021, “Team World vs. Team USA” games were played. Since 2022, it has adopted a four-team tournament style, injecting a new level of competitiveness into the Rising Stars Challenge.

The Rising Stars Challenge is usually a prime-time event on Friday night during the "NBA All-Star Weekend" and features the league's most promising rookies and sophomores. This exhibition game allows these rising stars to showcase their skills and potential on a grand stage. The format has evolved over the years, but its essence remains the same – a thrilling display of athleticism, young talent, and future stardom.

Over the years, the Rising Stars Challenge has become a fan favorite as it offers a glimpse into the future of the NBA. As young talents showcase their skills, fans eagerly anticipate the development of these rising stars into the NBA's next superstars. The event continues to be a vital part of the NBA All-Star Weekend, captivating audiences with its entertaining format.

2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Schedule

2024 Rising Stars Challenge
2024 Rising Stars Challenge

The 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, February 16.

2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Coaches

Pau Gasol, a six-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, returned as one of the four honorary head coaches following his team's victory in the Rising Stars championship last year. Gasol was accompanied by three other coaches, each with a strong connection to Indiana's historic basketball culture. These three were - Tamika Catchings, Jalen Rose, and Detlef Schrempf.

Tamika Catchings is known for leading Indiana's WNBA team Fever to the 2012 WNBA championship. Jalen Rose was named the Kia NBA Most Improved Player while playing for the Indiana Pacers, and he also played a crucial role in the Pacers' run to the 2000 NBA Finals. Meanwhile, German great Detlef Schrempf is a three-time NBA All-Star and recipient of back-to-back Kia NBA Sixth Man Awards with the Pacers in the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons. With their wealth of experience, all four legends coached the Rising Stars of the NBA.

2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Rosters

2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge
2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge

The 2024 Panini Rising Stars Player Pool featured a strong lineup with a mix of 11 promising rookies, 10 talented sophomores, and 7 standout players from the G League. This diverse pool of 28 players played in a competition involving four teams.

NBA's selected coaches — Pau Gasol, Tamika Catchings, and Jalen Rose, drafted their team in a draft process. Detlef Schrempf did not participate in draft as he was selected as the coach for "G-League" team.

During the Rising Stars draft that was held live on NBA App, Pau Gasol selected Victor Wembanyama as the top pick for his "Team Pau", followed by Tamika selecting "2022 Rookie of the Year" Paolo Banchero as the second overall pick"Team Tamika," for her "Team Tamika". Then decided to select OKC Thunder's young star Chet Holmgren for his "Team Jalen". This is how the first round of the draft came to an end, and each round was carried out in a fun segment.

Here are the teams that Pau Gasol, Tamika Catchings and Jalen Rose drafted:

Team PauTeam Tamika
Victor Wembanyama (Rookie, San Antonio Spurs)Paolo Banchero (Sophomore, Orlando Magic)
Brandon Miller (Rookie, Charlotte Hornets)Jaden Ivey (Sophomore, Detroit Pistons)
Brandin Podziemski (Rookie, Golden State Warriors)Jalen Duren (Sophomore, Detroit Pistons)
Jaime Jaquez. Jr. (Rookie, Miami Heat)Keegan Murray (Sophomore, Sacramento Kings)
Jabari Smith Jr. (Sophomore, Houston Rockets)Scoot Henderson (Rookie, Portland Trail Blazers)
Cason Wallace (Rookie, Oklahoma City Thunder)Keyonte George (Rookie, Utah Jazz)
Bilal Coulibaly (Rookie, Washington Wizards)Dyson Daniels (Sophomore, New Orleans Pelicans)
Team JalenTeam Detlef
Chet Holmgren (Rookie, Oklahoma City Thunder)Izan Almansa (G League Ignite)
Jalen Williams (Sophomore, Oklahoma City Thunder)Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite)
Bennedict Mathurin (Sophomore, Indiana Pacers)Ron Holland (G League Ignite)
Shaedon Sharpe* (Sophomore, Portland TrailBlazers)Mac McClung (Osceola Magic)
Dereck Lively II (Rookie, Dallas Mavericks)Tyler Smith (G League Ignite)
Jordan Hawkins (Rookie, New Orleans Pelicans)Oscar Tshiebwe (Indiana Mad Ants)
Walker Kessler (Sophomore, Utah Jazz)Alondes Williams (Sioux Falls Skyforce)
Jeremy Sochan (Sophomore, San Antonio Spurs)-

Note*: San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan will replace injured Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe on "Team Jalen".

2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Format

2024 NBA Rising Stars
2024 NBA Rising Stars

The Rising Stars Challenge was held in a competition of three games. All three games in the mini-tournament had a Final Target Score, meaning each game would conclude with a made basket or free throw rather than running out of time.

The two semifinal matches, Game 1 and Game 2 were played until a Final Target Score of 40 was reached.

The championship game, featuring the winners of the semifinals, was played until a Final Target Score of 25 was achieved to determine the tournament champion.

2024 Panini Rising Stars Challenge Results

Team Jalen showcased their dominance at the 2024 Panini Rising Stars event during the NBA All-Star Weekend, securing a resounding victory over Team Detlef with a commanding scoreline of 26-13. The team, named after honorary coach Jalen Rose, witnessed Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams sealing the win with a game-winning shot from deep.

Despite an initial 4-2 lead by Team Detlef, composed of G League players, Team Jalen turned the tide with a decisive 10-0 run, ultimately clinching a comfortable 13-point victory. Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, playing in front of his home supporters, earned the event MVP honors, notably for his standout performance in the first semifinal, where he contributed 18 points.

In the first semifinal, Team Jalen faced off against Team Tamika, trailing early with a 9-0 deficit. However, they mounted an impressive 15-2 run, securing a 40-35 victory. Mathurin's clutch shot over Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson sealed the win for Team Jalen.

In the second semifinal, Team Detlef surprised spectators with their remarkable tenacity and all-around performance, stunning everyone with their victory over Team Pau. Launching an impressive 11-0 run against Team Pau, Team Detlef seized control early. Despite Team Pau's efforts to narrow the deficit, they fell short, ultimately losing 41-36. G League Ignite's Matas Buzelis sealed the victory for Team Detlef with a tough turnaround jumper. Reigning dunk champion Mac McClung led the way with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Victor Wembanyama, the 2023 NBA Draft's top pick, contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks for Team Pau.

Led by promising rookies and future stars of the NBA such as Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, Jaime Jaquez Jr, and Brandin Podziemski, Team Pau came up short as the underdog squad of Team Detlef displayed incredible skill and determination on the court, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. Their triumph over Team Pau highlights the talent and resilience that exists in the NBA G-League. Many players including Alondes Williams, Mac McClung, and Oscar Tshiebwe are earning well-deserved recognition and admiration from basketball enthusiasts worldwide.

FAQ's

The Rising Stars player pool consists of 11 NBA rookies, 10 second-year NBA players, and 7 NBA G League players.

All three games in Panini Rising Stars will be played to a Final Target Score, with the semifinal games reaching a Final Target Score of 40, and the championship game concluding at a Final Target Score of 25.

Team Pau Gasol emerged victorious, with their player Jose Alvarado earning the coveted MVP title.

The teams are chosen by NBA assistant coaches based on the players' performance and potential, with participants divided into Team USA and Team World.

To be eligible, players must be NBA rookies, second-year players, or NBA G League players, selected based on their promising talent and early contributions to their teams.

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