Per Duke Sports Information:
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Former Duke men’s basketball players Jayson Tatum and Marvin Bagley III have been selected to the 2019 MTN DEW ICE Rising Stars Team. In addition, Kyrie Irving will serve as the U.S. honorary head coach.
The 25th Rising Stars will pit 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world in the league’s annual showcase of premier young talent during NBA All-Star weekend. Rosters were selected by NBA assistant coaches, with each of the league’s 30 teams submitting one ballot per coaching staff. The game is Friday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center in Charlotte and airs live on TNT.
The Rising Stars nod is Tatum’s second of his career. He has appeared and started in 50 games this year for the Boston Celtics. The third overall pick in the 2017 draft is averaging 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this season. In addition, Tatum is shooting .448 from the field and .885 from the free throw line. In last year’s contest, Tatum scored 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting, gathered four rebounds and dished out two assists.
Bagley is enjoying a successful rookie campaign for the Sacramento Kings. The second overall pick in the 2018 draft is averaging 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per contest and has played in 36 games.
Irving, a six-time NBA All-Star selection, was the 2012 Rising Stars MVP.
Tatum and Bagley III join former Duke players Brandon Ingram (2017), Jahlil Okafor (2017, 2016), Jabari Parker (2016), Mason Plumlee (2015, 2014), Miles Plumlee (2014), Irving (2013, 2012), Luol Deng (2006, 2005), Carlos Boozer (2004), Mike Dunleavy Jr. (2004), Jason Williams (2003), Shane Battier (2002), and Elton Brand (2001, 2000) as players who competed in the Rising Stars game.
