Though the Detroit Pistons have had it rough thus far, they're going to have some representation during the NBA All-Star 2012 festivities, as Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight have been selected for the 2012 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge pool. The challenge will take place on Feb. 24 in Orlando, and there's some new formats this year. While the format implemented usually featured rookies taking on sophomores, the teams will be mixed this time around. Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal will serve as general managers of the two teams, each with nine-man rosters.
There's some big names to be associated with, as Knight joins some other first-year players like Kyrie Irving, Ricky Rubio, Tristan Thompson, Kemba Walker and more. Monroe will be in the sophomore class, with guys like Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall and others, as well.
Monroe is averaging a team high in points and rebounds, with 16.3 and 9.9 per game, respectively. He's 11th in field goal percentage in the entire league and 13th in rebounds, scoring second and third among sophomores in those areas, as well. Knight has made 20 starts this season and is average 12.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He's ranked second in scoring and minutes played among rookies. He's shot more three-pointers than any other rookie thus far, with 38.
The BBVA Rising Stars Challenge will be on TNT at 9:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 24.