Croatian Dario Šarić Earns NBA All-Star Weekend Call-Up

Dario Šarić (image: 76ers / Twitter)

Croatian basketballer Dario Šarić has been named in the World team for the Rising Stars Challenge which will take place on NBA All-Star Weekend, the NBA announced on Wednesday.

The NBA All-Star Weekend will take place in New Orleans starting on 17 February with the U.S versus the World Rising Stars Challenge.

Šarić has been impressive in his first season in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, earning his a place on the World team. He is also a leading contender for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Šarić, who was impressive for Croatia at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was drafted 12th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA draft, with his rights later traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Šarić with a match-winning block against Spain in Rio (photo credit:AP)

In just his third NBA game he scored 21 points against the Orlando Magic.

Last year Croatians Mario Hezonja and Bojan Bogdanović took part in NBA All-Star Weekend matches playing for the World against USA.

Here are the rosters announced yesterday:

U.S.
Devin Booker (Suns)
Malcolm Brogdon (Bucks)
Marquese Chriss (Suns)
Brandon Ingram (Lakers)
Frank Kaminsky (Hornets)
Jahlil Okafor (76ers)
D’Angelo Russell (Lakers)
Jonathon Simmons (Spurs)
Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves)
Myles Turner (Pacers)

World
Joel Embiid (76ers)
Danté Exum (Jazz)
Buddy Hield (Pelicans)
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Trey Lyles (Jazz)
Emmanuel Mudiay (Nuggets)
Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks)
Domantas Sabonis (Thunder)
Dario Šarić (76ers)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97NO0jB5bPo