The NBA All Star weekend is the place for super stars to strut their stuff, but new players are also given the opportunity to show just how great they are. The NBA rookies and sophomores game, now named the Rising Stars Challenge, is where they do just that. It’s got a new look this year though.

Last year, the match was the best rookies against the best sophomores, but this year they are bringing in a draft element to keep things fair. There’s a big difference in play between a rookie and a sophomore, but of course individual talent plays a huge role as well.

The teams are selected by Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal who are going to be in the position of GM. They get to pick out a top team schoolyard style- bet no one wants to get picked last here! It’s awesome to see young talent giving their all- it’s got the raw energy of a college ball game, with the precision of an NBA game. Who do you think is going to pick the best team, Shaw or Barkley?

Stayed tuned for updates on who is going to be entered into the pool of top young talent.