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SALT LAKE CITY — Keyonte George has a chance to play at the All-Star Game next month.
The second-year Jazz guard was one of 11 sophomores named to the player pool for the Rising Stars Showcase on Friday, Feb. 14 in San Francisco. But here's the kicker: The team that wins the showcase will earn a spot to play in the main event that Sunday (for the first time, the All-Star Game will be a mini-tournament with four teams and three games).
So there's a little more at stake than previous seasons for the young player exhibition.
The Rising Stars player pool consists of 10 NBA rookies and 11 NBA sophomores. Those players will be drafted onto three seven-player teams. Seven NBA G League players will comprise the fourth team in the showcase.
Of the six rookies and sophomores on the Jazz roster, George was the only one named to the player pool, which was selected by NBA assistant coaches.
The 2025 Castrol Rising Stars ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/X1zpomdES8
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 28, 2025
The rookie pool will need a replacement for the injured Jared McCain, a spot Isaiah Collier may be in consideration for, as well. However, Miami center Kel'el Ware is currently the betting favorite for rookie of the year and wasn't selected, so that spot will likely be his.
George is averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds this season, but shooting 38% from the floor and 34% from the 3-point line.
He played as a rookie in the event last season, scoring 2 points.
