The upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend will once again feature former Kentucky Wildcats prominently, not just in the main events but also in the Rising Stars and G League “Up Next Game.” The league recently announced the participants for the 2023-24 Rising Stars event, highlighting the best rookies and sophomores midway through the regular season. Here’s a breakdown of the former Wildcats named to these events:
Rising Stars Participants:
Cason Wallace – Rookie Team
- Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Performance: Wallace has been one of the most impactful rookies in the NBA this season, showcasing his skills with averages of 6.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21.1 minutes per game. Despite a competitive rookie class, Wallace has stood out for the Thunder, exceeding preseason expectations.
Shaedon Sharpe – Sophomore Team
- Team: Portland Trail Blazers
- Performance: Sharpe, in his second NBA season, has been contributing significantly with averages of 15.9 points, five rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 33.1 minutes per game. Despite some missed games due to injuries, Sharpe continues to make an impact for the Trail Blazers.
Oscar Tshiebwe – G League Team
- Team: Indiana Mad Ants (on a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers)
- Performance: Tshiebwe, on a two-way contract, has had limited appearances in the NBA for the Pacers. He has been impressive in the G League with the Mad Ants. Averaging 12 points and 12.1 rebounds per game on 57.8 percent shooting, Tshiebwe has shown his skills in both scoring and rebounding.
G League “Up Next Game” Participants:
Ashton Hagans
- Team: Rip City Remix
- Performance: Hagans has been a key player for the Remix, posting impressive averages of 15.1 points, 9.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 30.9 minutes per game. Known for his defensive prowess at Kentucky, Hagans is making his mark in the G League.
Skal Labissiere
- Team: Stockton Kings
- Performance: Labissiere, playing for the Kings, is contributing with averages of 16.8 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and 1.7 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game. With efficient shooting at 66.4 percent, Labissiere is showcasing his skills in various facets of the game.
Oscar Tshiebwe
- Team: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
- Performance: In addition to his participation in the Rising Stars event, Tshiebwe is set to play in the G League “Up Next Game.” Averaging 12.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, Tshiebwe continues to display his dominance in the G League.
The 2024 Panini Rising Stars ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/sThgZNvwxV
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 30, 2024
The NBA All-Star Weekend will kick off with these exciting events, providing fans with an opportunity to witness the talents of former Kentucky Wildcats in both the NBA and G League ranks.
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