By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
V. J. Edgecombe was named Most Valuable Player of the 2026 NBA Castrol Rising Stars after sinking the game-winning free throw for Team Vince in the championship game, following productive performances across both the Semifinals and Final.
“To be honest, there was no pressure. Free throws, man. I just try to be dialed in and focused at the line. Free throws are precious. Obviously, tonight we needed them to win the game. I just focused and made them,” said the 20-year-old Philadelphia 76ers player regarding making all four of his shots from the charity stripe between the semifinal matchup with Team T-Mac and the final against Team Melo at Intuit Dome on Friday.
Lithuanian Matas Buzelis scored four points in the championship game, including a one-handed dunk to set the pace in a game with a target score of 25. He had previously registered six points in the Semifinals. Beyond his ten total points, he added two assists, two rebounds, and one steal.
“We were trying to win everything. We weren’t trying to just lay back and cruise,” stressed the Chicago Bulls forward about the team effort.
Furthermore, Russian Egor Demin of the Brooklyn Nets combined for four points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Team Vince.
Limited to one showing in the semifinals, with both encounters carrying a target score of 40, Swiss Yanic Konan Niederhauser reached 11 points, two rebounds, and one assist for Team Austin, enjoying homecourt advantage as a Los Angeles Clippers player. Meanwhile, French Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks recorded one rebound and one assist for Team T-Mac.
In the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game held at Kia Forum, Team Giannis prevailed, taking down Team Anthony, 65-58, with actor Rome Flynn earning his second consecutive MVP nod.
“I just enjoy winning,” noted head coach Giannis Antetokounmpo in a postgame interview.