The 2025 NBA Castrol Rising Stars event is poised to showcase some of the league’s brightest young talent, with a captivating mix of rookies and sophomores ready to battle for supremacy.
The unique element of this year’s event is the adoption of a mini-tournament format. Four dynamic teams, skillfully crafted from the top rookies and sophomores selected by a combination of NBA coaches’ ballots and league officials, will go head-to-head. The competition’s intensity is amplified by the opportunity for the event winner to face off against the NBA All-Stars.
Adding to the excitement, Candace Parker, a WNBA legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, will assume the role of honorary General Manager for the Rising Stars champion team, lending her wealth of experience and insight to the young cohort.
Team Lineups
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Team A:
- Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Mac McClung (Osceola Magic)
- Bryce McGowens (Rip City Remix)
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Team B:
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers)
- JD Davison (Maine Celtics)
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Reed Sheppard (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
Team C: and
Team D (Rosters subject to confirmation after replacements were announced.)
Coaching Staff
A formidable trio of NBA Hall of Famers – Tim Hardaway Sr., Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond, all former Golden State Warriors players – will serve as honorary head coaches for the Rising Stars teams. They are joined by assistant coaches from the NBA All-Star Game coaching staffs of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Tournament Format
The tournament will culminate in a thrilling finals matchup. First, two semifinal games will be played, with the first team to reach 40 points securing a victory. Following the semifinals, the winners will then face each other in the championship game, where the first team to score 25 points emerges champion.
Why This Event Matters
The NBA Rising Stars mini-tournament provides a vital platform for developing players to showcase their talents on a national stage. Competing against some of the league’s most promising young players, under the guidance of basketball legends, offers invaluable experience and exposure.
The success and excitement generated by this event underscore the NBA’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and celebrating the next generation of basketball stars. Keep an eye out for some truly special performances from these rising stars in the 2025 NBA Castrol Rising Stars mini-tournament.