NBA Rising Stars Challenge Roster Pool Announced: Evan Turner Among 18 Rookies, Sophomores Selected

Philadelphia 76ers guard Evan Turner has been selected to participate in the 2012 Rising Stars Challenge, the NBA announced on Wednesday.

Turner is one of nine second-year players selected by NBA assistant coaches for the game, formerly known as the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge. The 18 participants -- nine rookies were also chosen -- will be placed in a roster pool and drafted into two teams by Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley. Serving as general managers for the game, O'Neal and Barkley will choose sides out of the available pool of players.

The Rising Stars Challenge draft takes place on Thursday, Feb. 16, on NBA TV at 7 p.m., and the game will be held on Friday, Feb. 24, in Orlando during NBA All-Star Weekend 2012.

The entire roster pool follows:

ROOKIES: Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), Derrick Williams (Timberwolves), Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers), Ricky Rubio (Timberwolves), Brandon Knight (Pistons), Kemba Walker (Bobcats), Markieff Morris (Suns), Kawhi Leonard (Spurs), Marshon Brooks(Nets).

SOPHOMORES: Blake Griffin (Clippers), John Wall (Wizards), Evan Turner (76ers),DeMarcus Cousins (Kings), Greg Monroe (Pistons), Gordon Hayward (Jazz), Paul George (Pacers), Landry Fields (Knicks), Tiago Splitter (Spurs).

Nikola Vucevic was not selected to participate.

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