Trio brings African flavour to Rising Stars Challenge

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Gorgui Dieng of the Timberwolves have been named in the “World” team for the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star 2015.

The two players give the team a very African flavour in a format that will have a global audience keen to see the international players showcase their stuff.

The Rising Stars Challenge is the league’s annual showcase of premier young talent and will debut a format that pits 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world. The game is set for Friday the 13th of February at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn during All-Star 2015.

This year’s edition showcases 10 of the top 15 picks from the 2013 NBA Draft and all four participants in the 2015 Sprite Slam Dunk, which will be held during All-Star Saturday Night.