Music: {allcanada} RAPTORS' DEROZAN NAMED TO SOPHOMORE TEAM FOR ALL-STAR WEEKEND

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

{allcanada} RAPTORS' DEROZAN NAMED TO SOPHOMORE TEAM FOR ALL-STAR WEEKEND

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NEW YORK -- Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan will be busy during NBA all-star weekend.

DeRozan was named to the sophomore team Tuesday for the Rookie Challenge. He's also compete in the slam dunk contest for the second consecutive year.

The squads for the Rookie Challenge, which pits rookies against second-year players, were announced Tuesday. They'll play Feb. 18 at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles ahead of the NBA all-star game.

DeRozan ranks second on the team averaging 15.4 points, and fifth among second-year players.

DeRozan replaced Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings in a slam dunk lineup that includes Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers), Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City) and JaVale McGee (Washington).

Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans, the reigning rookie of the year, and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin lead the group of 18 players selected for the game.

Joining Evans and DeRozan on the Sophomore team are: Spurs centre DeJuan Blair, Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Bulls forward Taj Gibson, 76ers guard Jrue Holiday, Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, Bucks guard Brandon Jennings and Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews.

The other rookies are: Wizards guard John Wall, Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe, Kings centre DeMarcus Cousins, Nets forward Derrick Favours, Knicks guard Landry Fields, Timberwolves guard Wesley Johnson, Pistons centre Greg Monroe and Spurs guard Gary Neal.