NBA report: stage set for a grand challenge for rookies
The 2010-11 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge will be conducted on Friday, February 18 at Staples Center in Los Angeles as part of the 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend.
The Rookie Challenge, for those who do not know, is an exhibition game held during the NBA All-Star Weekend, where this year’s rookies take on the top second-year (sophomore) players. The tradition began in 1994, as simply the "Rookie Game," featuring only
first-year players.
Following each Rookie Challenge, one player is named the game MVP (Most Valuable Player). T-Mobile also will provide basketball fans with the opportunity to have their vote count toward selecting the MVP of the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge.
The sophomores for the Rookie Challenge 2010-11 consist of centre DeJuan Blair (San Antonio Spurs), guard Stephen Curry ( Golden State Warriors), guard DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors), forward Taj Gibson (Chicago Bulls), guard Jrue Holiday (Philadelphia
76ers), forward Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunders), guard Brandon Jennings (Milwaukee Bucks) guard Wesley Matthews (Portland Trail Blazers).
The other rookies are: guard John Wall (Washington Wizards), guard Eric Bledsoe (Los Angeles Clippers), center DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings), forward Derrick Favors (New Jersey Nets), guard Landry Fields (Nek York Knicks), guard Wesley Johnson (Minnesota
Timberwolves), center Greg Monroe (Detroit Pistons), and guard Gary Neal (San Antonio Spurs).
Sacramento guard, Tyreke Evans, the reigning Rookie of the Year, and Clippers forward, Blake Griffin, are strong contestants as they are leading a group of 18 players selected for the Rookie Challenge.
Last year in Dallas, Tyreke was honoured with the Rookie/Sophomore Game MVP award after recording 26 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals in the Rookies’ 140-128 win. Evans was the only rookie to appear on all 123 ballots from a media panel,
getting 67 first-place votes and 491 total points.
Blake Griffin has been crowned the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for his sizzling performance during January. Griffin has no comparison as he averages 12.7 rebounds, fourth in the NBA, and first among rookies. He has 40 double-doubles during his
basketball career.
Clippers General Manager, Neil Olshey, is satisfied with Griffin as he said during an interview, "It's more than he's a plus-athlete and he works his tail off. It's the kind of person he is. When you have an opportunity to get a character guy like Blake,
you build around that and you create a culture that emphasizes people like him".
The current roster of the Rookie Challenge comprises of bevy of talented players, who can single handily turn the game on its head.
The contest will also feature experienced players such as Tyreke Evans, who will be seeking to perform to take the young guns down.
Do not miss this action-packed contest because we all know that this event of NBA talents is a very exciting one. Who will be the winner of Rookie Challenge 2010-11?
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