T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam Roster Review and Analysis

The 2011 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge was released today.

Before we take a look at the rosters, I would like to throw in that this is probably my favorite event at the All-Star Weekend. The best young stars of tomorrow joining up to take on their peers, what’s better?

Now let’s take a look at the rosters:

Rookie Roster

Eric Bledsoe L.A. Clippers G 6-1 195 Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins Sacramento C 6-11 270 Kentucky
Derrick Favors New Jersey F 6-10 246 Georgia Tech
Landry Fields New York G 6-7 210 Stanford
Blake Griffin L.A. Clippers F 6-10 251 Oklahoma
Wesley Johnson Minnesota G 6-7 205 Syracuse
Greg Monroe Detroit C 6-11 250 Georgetown
Gary Neal San Antonio G 6-4 210 Towson State
John Wall Washington G 6-4 195 Kentucky

Mike Budenholzer — San Antonio Spurs
Amar'e Stoudemire — New York Knicks
Kevin McHale — NBA TV/ TNT analyst

Sophomore Roster

DeJuan Blair San Antonio C 6-7 265 Pittsburgh
DeMar DeRozan Toronto G 6-7 220 USC
Stephen Curry Golden State G 6-3 185 Davidson
Tyreke Evans Sacramento G 6-6 220 Memphis
Taj Gibson Chicago F 6-9 225 USC
Jrue Holiday Philadelphia G 6-4 180 UCLA
Serge Ibaka Oklahoma City F-C 6-10 235 Brazzaville, Rep. of Congo
Brandon Jennings Milwaukee G 6-1 169 Lottomatica Virtus Roma
Wesley Matthews Portland G 6-5 220 Marquette

Head Coach — TBD
Carmelo Anthony — Denver Nuggets
Steve Kerr — TNT NBA basketball analyst

I think the NBA did a pretty good job putting together these rosters. There’s only one change I would have made, as I would have put Larry Sanders on the rookie roster.

Call me biased because I am a fan of Sanders and the Bucks, but I think he has proved himself as an elite shot-blocker and an overall good rookie (BPG: 1.3, 44 blocks total; leading all rookies).

I am pleased that Brandon Jennings is back and will be able to play in the game. He put on a pretty good show last year while rockin’ the Gumby hair style.

I’m also glad to see that Wesley Matthews made the sophomore roster, after an outstanding rookie season with the Utah Jazz. Matthews went undrafted but earned the roster spot with the Jazz (also he is from Marquette, my favorite college basketball team).

Now here is a little history and rules on the game:

• The game started in 2000
• Sophomores are 8-3 against the Rookies
• Game played in two 20 minute halves
• Players cannot foul out
• Overtime is two minutes
• Rookies won in 2010, 2002, and 2001

What do you think about the roster?

Would you put Sanders on it or keep it how it is? Or add someone else on to either roster?

Comment below and tell me what you think!