Team Vince Wins NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2024

VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers named MVP in thrilling tournament finale

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 75th NBA All-Star weekend kicked off with the Rising Stars Challenge, a tournament designed to showcase the league's brightest young talent. This year's event, held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, featured a four-team competition of rookies, sophomores, and G League players, culminating in a victory for Team Vince led by MVP VJ Edgecombe.

Why it matters

The Rising Stars Challenge is more than just a showcase of athletic talent; it's a testing ground for new formats and a platform for the NBA to connect with its younger audience. The tournament style, with its emphasis on speed and scoring, reflects the evolving trends in the modern NBA.

The details

Team Vince, which included Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls), Egor Dëmin (Brooklyn Nets), Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards), Derik Queen (Recent Orleans Pelicans), Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies), and Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies), secured the championship with clutch free throws from Edgecombe in a nail-biting finish. The tournament featured a unique format, with semifinals played to the first team to reach 40 points and the championship game played to 25 points.

  • The 75th NBA All-Star weekend kicked off on February 14, 2026.
  • The Rising Stars Challenge tournament was held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

The players

VJ Edgecombe

A player for the Philadelphia 76ers who was named MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge.

Carmelo Anthony

A former NBA star who served as a head coach for one of the teams in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Vince Carter

A former NBA star who served as a head coach for one of the teams in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Trace McGrady

A former NBA star who served as a head coach for one of the teams in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Austin Rivers

A former NBA star who served as a head coach for one of the teams in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Rising Stars Challenge is a showcase of the NBA's up-and-coming talent, and this year's tournament-style format proved popular with fans and players alike. The event highlights the evolving trends in the modern NBA, with an emphasis on speed, scoring, and connecting with younger audiences.