LOS ANGELES (WFSB) – The University of Connecticut can boast that it has four former players in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars event.
Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, and Tristen Newton will take the court at 9 p.m. Friday at the LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
The Castrol Rising Stars event, which divides a combination of NBA sophomores, NBA rookies, and G-League developmental players up onto four rosters, is part of the annual NBA All Star Weekend.
The rosters are coached by former NBA players and the teams will face off in a tournament-style event.
Clingan and Castle, both of whom were part of UConn’s 2024 national title run, were picked by former NBA great Carmelo Anthony to be part of “Team Melo.” They’re also teaming up with 2025 No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg.
Spencer, who was also part of that championship team, was selected by NBA legend Tracy McGrady for “Team T-Mac.” He’ll play along side Kon Knueppel, the 4th pick in the 2025 draft.
Finally, Newton will play for former NBA player Austin Rivers on “Team Austin.” He’ll play with former slam dunk champion Mac McClung and Boston Celtics G-Leaguer Ron Harper Jr.
Vince Carter is coaching the fourth team, which features Philadelphia 76ers standout rookie VJ Edgecombe.
The coaches drafted the teams last week.
Castle plays for the San Antonio Spurs, Clingan for the Portland Trail Blazers, Spencer for the Memphis Grizzles, and Newton for the G-League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
The tournament streams on Peacock.
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