NBA - All Star: Rising Stars Challenge

"NBA All-Star 2012 will play host to the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, which will introduce an exciting new format to a game that has historically featured NBA rookies facing off against sophomores. For the first time, rookies and sophomores will be mixed together on teams. BBVA, the Official Bank of the NBA, will serve as the title partner of the new event.

TNT Analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal will serve as the general managers of two opposing teams, each with ten man rosters, consisting of NBA rookies and sophomores drafted from a pool that was previously selected by the NBA's assistant coaches. Also, TNT's Kenny Smith will serve as the honorary Commissioner.

The BBVA Rising Stars Challenge Draft was held Thursday, Feb. 16, with a surprise decision by Commissioner Smith to add Heat rookie Norris Cole and Knicks sophomore Jeremy Lin to the roster pool. At the end of the draft, the teams looked like this:

Team Shaq

Blake Griffin, LA Clippers
Jeremy Lin, NY Knicks
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats
Landry Fields, NY Knicks
Norris Cole, Miami Heat
Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons
Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons

Team Chuck

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
MarShon Brooks, NJ Nets
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Tiago Splitter, San Antonio Spurs (out with injury)Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz "

@ nba.com