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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Rookie Victor Wembanyama has mesmerized fans of the NBA with his stellar performances and otherworldly talents. He has already become a talismanic figure for the San Antonio Spurs. Despite San Antonio’s lackluster performances this season, Wembanyama is the reason as to why there’s a sense of anticipation and optimism surrounding the Spurs organization.

He will participate in his very first All-Star Weekend and as a part of the media duties, Wembanyama showed off his acting acumen. Victor recreated Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith’s hilarious gas debate on TNT. Wemby’s mimicry skills have surprised many fans, who find it hard to believe that the 7’4″ Frenchman is also a skilled impression artist.

 

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This will be Wembanyama’s first experience of the All-Star Weekend. While he didn’t get selected for the show-stopping All-Star Game, Wembanyama will headline the Panini Rising Star Game, which is scheduled to tip-off by 9:00 PM, Eastern Time.

Wembanyama & the Rising Stars tournament

Although not the biggest attraction of the All-Star Weekend, the Rising Stars tournament could provide a brief glimpse into the future of the NBA. Some of the best young talent that the NBA (and G-League) has to offer would take to the court on Friday night. Rookies Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller and Chet Holmgren are the main attractions of the event.

NBA legends like Pau Gasol and Jalen Rose, along with WNBA icon Tamika Catchings, are the honorary coaches of the teams. Apart from the three honorary coaches, Pacers’ legend Detlef Schrempf will coach the team of NBA G League players.

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Pau Gasol’s team comprises Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, Brandin Podziemski, Jaime Jaquez. Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., Cason Wallace, Bilal Coulibaly. Meanwhile, Jalen Rose’s team consists of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Benedict Mathurin, Shaedon Sharpe, Dereck Lively I, Jordan Hawkins, Walker Kessler.

Tamika Catchings’ has decided to go with Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Keegan Murray, Scoot Henderson, Keyonte George, Dyson Daniels, Vince Williams Jr. Whereas, Detlef Schrempf would lead some of the best future NBA prospects during the tournament. His team consists of Izan Almansa (G League Ignite), Emoni Bates (Cleveland Charge), Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite), Ron Holland (G League Ignite), Mac McClung (Osceola Magic), Tyler Smith (G League Ignite), Oscar Tshiebwe (Indiana Mad Ants), Alondes Williams (Sioux Falls Skyforce).

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The Panini Rising Stars tournament would have three games. The first game of the tournament is between Team Jalen and Team Tamika. The second game of the tournament is between Team Pau and Team Schrempf. Winners of both the matches would advance to the finals. The finals of the tournament will be played to a final score of 25 points to determine the tournament champion. Are you excited for the All-Star festivities? Which event are you looking most forward to? Let us know in the comments below!

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