NBA Rising Stars Challenge Roster Pool Announced: MarShon Brooks Among 18 Rookies, Sophomores Selected

Despite a broken toe that is currently forcing him out of the New Jersey Nets lineup, Nets guard MarShon Brooks has been selected to participate in the 2012 Rising Stars Challenge, the NBA announced on Wednesday.

Brooks is one of nine rookies selected by NBA assistant coaches for the game, formerly known as the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge. The 18 participants -- nine second-year players 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.

"This is a great honor for MarShon and the entire Nets organization," Nets general manager Billy King said in a press release. "It is an honor that is well deserved, and we look forward to him building on his stellar play once he returns to the court."

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).

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