The Sixers two big men, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, were honored for their play on Wednesday afternoon as the NBA announced the teams for this years' BBVA Rising Stars Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend on February 12th in Toronto. Both Noel and Okafor will suit up for the US team.
“On behalf of the entire Sixers organization, we are proud that Nerlens and Jahlil were recognized for their talent, hard work and commitment to their craft," Sixers president and general manager Sam Hinkie said in a statement. "This is a recognition both for them and their families, who have sacrificed and supported Nerlens and Jahlil during every step of their basketball journeys. This is another significant accomplishment in their young careers, and we truly hope that Nerlens and Jahlil will enjoy the opportunities and experiences that All-Star Weekend has to offer as representatives of the Sixers.” [CSNPhilly.com]
Noel participated in the game last year on the US team and had four points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. This season, he's averaging 10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.8 steals per game. Noel is shooting 60 percent from the field during the month of January and is coming off of a big game on both sides of the ball against the Suns. Noel contributed 14 points, nine rebounds while also managing to block three shots and get three steals. In January, Noel is averaging 2.5 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, Jahlil Okafor leads the Sixers, and all rookies, with 17.4 points per game to go along with 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Currently resting because of an illness, Okafor has scored 20 or more points in three of his last four games.
Noel and Okafor will be joined on the US team by Jabari Parker (Bucks), Elfrid Payton (Magic), Jordan Clarkson (Lakers), Zach LaVine (Timberwolves), D’Angelo Russell (Lakers), Rodney Hood (Jazz), Marcus Smart (Celtics) and Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves)
Bojan Bogdanovic (Nets), Clint Capela (Rockets), Mario Hezonja (Magic), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Nikola Mirotic (Bulls), Emmanuel Mudiay (Nuggets), Raul Neto (Jazz), Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks), Dwight Powell (Mavericks) and Andrew Wiggins (Timberwolves) comprise the World team, who took last year's contest 121-112.
The Sixers took to Twitter to congratulate their two centers.
Congrats to @NerlensNoel3 on being named to the #BBVARisingStars USA team! : https://t.co/aevsHJSSqK pic.twitter.com/TLmZjl4HTy
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) January 27, 2016
Congrats to @JahlilOkafor on being named to the #BBVARisingStars USA team! : https://t.co/aevsHJSSqK pic.twitter.com/ivMOCTo6Z1
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) January 27, 2016
