LA Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to take part in Rising Stars Challenge
LA Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named to the Team World roster and will take part in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been turning heads all throughout Clipper Nation, and it seems as though the NBA has taken notice of what he’s already accomplished as well. On Tuesday night, it was officially announced that the LA Clippers rookie would take part in the 2019 Mtn Dew Ice Rising Stars Challenge and would play for Team World.
Gilgeous-Alexander has had a magnificent rookie season thus far, and has posted averages of 9.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 51 games for the LA Clippers. According to the team, he would be the first Canadian rookie to average as many points and assists in a single season.
Gilgeous-Alexander also leads all rookies on teams with records over .500 in both scoring and minutes per game.
The rookie will join Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic, Brooklyn Nets forward Rodions Kurucs, Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman, and Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons on the Team World roster.
Last year, Team World defeated Team USA by a final of 155-124, and was led by Buddy Hield‘s 29 points.
Some of the NBA’s best young stars have taken part in the Rising Stars Challenge over the last few seasons, including Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard. Gilgeous-Alexander will be joining an elite group of players.
The game will be a chance for Gilgeous-Alexander to really make a name for himself in front of a large NBA crowd, as the Rising Stars Challenge has been viewed by millions over the course of the last few years. If he plays his best game, Gilgeous-Alexander could rocket to stardom and find himself on the NBA’s All-Rookie Team by season’s end.
Rookie teammate Jerome Robinson was left off the Team USA roster, though he wasn’t expected to make the cut. However, the game is open to sophomores as well, and assuming Robinson sees a larger role next season, he could easily wind up in the event this time next year.
The game will be played on Friday, February 15 at 6:00 PM PST in Charlotte, North Carolina. Look out for images of official uniforms to release in the near future.