SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz rookie Walker Kessler said he’s excited to compete and represent the Beehive State in the Jordan Rising Stars event at NBA All-Star Weekend.

The Jordan Rising Stars game will take place at Vivint Arena on Friday, February 17.

“I’m gonna do my best to represent Utah, man,” Kessler said in the morning ahead of Rising Stars practice. “I’m excited for the opportunity. I hope I make you all proud.”

#JordanRisingStars practice📍

…and @WalkerKessler13 is a Rising ⭐️ in the @NBA.#TakeNote #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/DLhPxoOAyF

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 17, 2023

Following a quick session with the media, the Jazzman stepped onto the court at the University of Utah’s Jon M. Huntsman Center for some light work.

Kessler and the NBA’s fellow Rising Stars participated in an hour-long practice in preparation for their game later that night.

 

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While on the court, the rookie from Auburn showcased his ability to score at the rim and from outside the arc.

Kessler will play in the Jordan Rising Stars as a member of Team Deron, coached by former Jazz All-Star guard Deron Williams.

RELATED: Coaches Draft Rising Stars Teams, Deron Williams Selects Walker Kessler

71.2 FG%@WalkerKessler13 at work. 💪 #TakeNote #NBAAllStar #JordanRisingStars pic.twitter.com/5TXgjY8rJo

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 17, 2023

In addition to those Jazz connections, Team Jason, a group of players in the NBA G League, will be coached by Jason Terry, who is currently an assistant coach for Will Hardy in Utah.

The event features some of the best first and second-year players in the league. In past seasons, the event has been played in a “Rookies vs. Sophomores” and “Team USA vs. Team World” format. After a change last season, the Rising Stars event is now in a tournament style.

The Rising Stars event will consist of three games. The winners of Games 1 and 2 will play in Game 3 of the night. The Jordan Rising Stars will start at 7 p.m. (MDT).

About Walker Kessler

Prior to this time in the league, Kessler was a standout player for the Auburn Tigers. He was originally selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Shortly after the draft, Kessler was traded to the Jazz as part of a dead centered on All-Star center Rudy Gobert.

 

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This season, the rookie is averaging 8.2 points per contest on 71.2 percent shooting. He also averages 7.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 0.4 steals in 21.3 minutes per game. He’s played in 57 games for the Jazz.

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