NBA changing the Rising Stars Challenge to a USA vs World format for players within the first two years of their career.
The NBA announced that they’re abandoning the the current Rookie vs Sophomore format for the Rising Stars Challenged during the All-Star weekend.
Instead of pitting the first-year players against those in the second season of their career, they will an adopt a USA vs World format.
If you’re wondering how that works, Vincent Goodwill provides a little more clarity, saying the game will be between players who are in their first two seasons in the league.
NBA announced it's changing the Rising Stars rookie challenge to a USA vs. the World game featuring first and second year players
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) January 21, 2015
As Yahoo’s Marc Spears suggests, it could be working as a sample for the main All-Star game. The NBA could be looking to change the format of the All-Star game to a USA vs World format instead of the current Eastern Conference vs Western Conference format.
Wouldn’t be surprised if NBA wants All-Star Game to go to USA vs World at some point, but World needs more depth of elite talent to do that.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 21, 2015
Here is the full press release:
New USA VS. WORLD Format Brings Added Dimension to #BBVACompassRisingStars at #NBAAllStarNYC! pic.twitter.com/OreHqoMFXL
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) January 21, 2015
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