The NBA has officially revealed the 28-player pool for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game, setting the stage for a showcase of the league’s brightest young talent. The event, a cornerstone of All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, will feature a unique draft format and a mini-tournament, with the No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, leading a star-studded rookie class.
The future of the NBA is on full display. The league announced its pool of participants for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game on Monday, Jan. 26. Twenty-one players—10 rookies and 11 sophomores—along with seven G Leaguers were chosen to represent the next wave of superstars, tipping off All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles on Feb. 13. This isn’t just a game; it’s a first look at the players who will define the league for the next decade.
The rookies are headlined by the consensus top prospect in the league, Cooper Flagg. The No. 1 overall pick has already looked every bit the franchise centerpiece the Dallas Mavericks desperately needed after their blockbuster trade of Luka Doncic a year ago. Flagg’s selection is the story of this event, as he represents the hope and rebuilding effort in Dallas. Joining him are other standout rookies, including Memphis Grizzlies emerging wing Cedric Coward and the New Orleans Pelicans’ explosive duo of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. This group signifies a new wave of talent ready to make an immediate impact.
On the sophomore side, the selections highlight the rapid development of last year’s draft class. Stephon Castle, who has established himself as a solid running mate for San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, is among the sophomores selected. His presence alongside Wembanyama creates a fascinating storyline of a young core developing in one of the league’s most exciting markets. Also making the list is Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets, who has stepped up from his early-season struggles in the absence of Fred VanVleet, proving his resilience and potential as a future cornerstone guard.
The Complete 2026 NBA Rising Stars Rosters
Here is the full list of players who will be available for the draft, showcasing the incredible depth of young talent across the league:
Rookies
- Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies
- Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets
- V.J. Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
- Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans
- Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
- Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
- Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards
- Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
- Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors
- Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans
Sophomores
- Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
- Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
- Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
- Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards
- Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
- Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
- Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies
- Jalon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat
- Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
G League Standouts
- Sean East, Salt Lake City Stars
- Ron Harper Jr., Maine Celtics
- David Jones Garcia, Austin Spurs
- Yanic Konan Niederhauser, San Diego Clippers
- Alijah Martin, Raptors 905
- Tristen Newton, Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Yang Hansen, Rip City Remix
New Format and Fan-Centric Experience
The Rising Stars game is evolving to be more interactive and competitive. This year, the players will be drafted into three teams on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with a fourth team comprised entirely of the G League players. The coaching duties for these teams will be handled by NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Austin Rivers, adding a layer of nostalgia and strategic insight to the event.
Following the draft, the four teams of seven players each will face off in a mini-tournament. This format promises a faster pace and more dynamic gameplay, ensuring fans are treated to a high-energy, competitive spectacle rather than a purely exhibition. The action tips off at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) on Friday, Feb. 13, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, providing a perfect appetizer for the main All-Star Game events.
This event is crucial for the league’s future. It’s where breakout stars are born, and where fan favorites are solidified. With a player pool this talented and a format this engaging, the 2026 Rising Stars game is poised to be one of the most memorable All-Star Weekend events in recent memory, offering a definitive look at the faces of the NBA for years to come.
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