Eric Paschall voted to the Rising Stars Game

The Golden State Warriors hope that Eric Paschall becomes a staple at NBA All-Star Weekend. And while the 23-year old rookie may still be a ways away from playing in the actual All-Star Game, he’ll get his first taste of the festive weekend in two weeks, in Chicago.

Paschall has impressed in his rookie year, despite being drafted 41st overall. He’s impressed so much that he has been voted to play in the Rising Stars Game, which takes place on Friday, February 14.

The Rising Stars Game is voted on by the league’s assistant coaches, and features only rookies and second-year players. While it used to be rookies versus sophomores, the event is now deemed as “U.S. Team vs. World Team,” which makes for a few weird selections.

Paschall is joined on the U.S. Team by fellow rookies Tyler Herro (Miami Heat), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Kendrick Nunn (Miami Heat), PJ Washington (Charlotte Hornets), and injury replacement Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans). The team also features sophomores Miles Bridges (Hornets), Devonte’ Graham (Hornets), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), and the injured Wendell Carter Jr. (Chicago Bulls).

The World Team is comprised of rookies Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Pelicans), RJ Barrett (New York Knicks), Brandon Clarke (Grizzlies), and Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards). The team’s sophomores are DeAndre Ayton (Phoenix Suns), Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Svi Mykhailiuk (Detroit Pistons), Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Moritz Wagner (Wizards).

Of the players in the Rising Stars Game, Paschall was drafted third-latest. Mykhailiuk was picked 47th overall in 2018, while Nunn went undrafted, in part due to concerns following a domestic battery arrest.

Paschall is averaging 13.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He has played in 44 of the Warriors 49 games, and has started 22 times.