NBA 2014

NBA All-Star Game 2014: Davis, Lillard lead 18-player pool chosen for Rising Stars Challenge

The 18-player pool of rookies and sophomores set to play in the 2014 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge were announced, with standouts Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis and Michael Carter-Williams as part of the group.

The game, which will be played on Friday, Feb. 14, in New Orleans as part of All-Star Weekend, is in its third season with first- and second-year players playing together. That's a good thing for this rookie class, considering its challenges this season. Several players, including No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett, have performed well below initial expectations.

Many of the rookies who have played well will be on the court when the game is televised on TNT at 9 p.m. Victor Oladipo, Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway, Jr. are among those. Here is a look at the full list of players below: 

Rookies

Steven Adams, Oklahoma City 

Pero Antic, Atlanta  

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee  

Trey Burke, Utah     

Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia    

Tim Hardaway, Jr., New York

Victor Oladipo, Orlando 

Kelly Olynyk, Boston

Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn

Sophomores

Harrison Barnes, Golden State

Bradley Beal, Washington

Anthony Davis, New Orleans 

Andre Drummond, Detroit 

Terrence Jones, Houston      

Damian Lillard, Portland    

Jared Sullinger, Boston

Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto           

Dion Waiters, Cleveland

FIY For the ladies: My favorite team is the Boston Celtic and The Chicago Bull Dogs.... please feel free to send gifts.