Rookie Challenge

The NBA Rookie Challenge is an exhibition game held during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Following each Rookie Challenge, one player is named the game MVP.

The 2008 Rookie Challenge was held on February 15, 2008. The Sophomore Team defeated the Rookie Team 136-109. This is the sixth consecutive win for the Sophomore Team.

Fast Facts

1. Also called the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam
2. First game held on February 12, 1994
3. 1999 game canceled due to the lockout
4. 2000 format changed to rookies vs. sophomores
5. Sophomores wear their respective home jerseys
6. Rookies wear respective away jerseys
7. Most points scored by a single player: Amare Stoudemire, 36 in 2004
8. Game consists of two 20 minute halves, rather than the four 15 minute quarters used in a regular NBA game

Format

The tradition began in 1994 as simply the "Rookie Game," featuring only first-year players. The current format pits the leagues top rookies against the top 2nd-year (sophomore) players and has been in place since 2000. Since the format change, the Rookie Team has won the game only twice.

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