Wilson Chandler Named to Sophomore Team for All-Star Weekend

Chandler, drafted with 23rd overall pick in the 2007 draft out of Depaul, is one of just nine players that will represent the Sophomore Team. He will suit up with reigning Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant and his teammate Jeff Green from the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as Atlanta Hawks forward/center Al Horford, Los Angeles Clippers forward Al Thornton, Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young, Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey and a pair of teammates from the Houston Rockets – guard Aaron Brooks and forward Luis Scola. They will be coached by the Orlando Magic’s All-Star center Dwight Howard.

The versatile Chandler has put up strong numbers all season long, averaging 13.9 points, 4.2 boards and 2.0 assists per game through the first 44 games. He is the first Knick to play in the game since David Lee in 2007, when he was named MVP, scoring 30 points while shooting 14-14 from the field along with 11 rebounds.

Representing the rookies will be Chicago Bulls Guard Derrick Rose, guard O.J. Mayo and center Marc Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies and center Greg Oden and guard Rudy Fernandez from the Portland Trail Blazers. Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, Clippers guard Eric Gordon, Heat forward Michael Beasley and New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez round out the Rookie team, which will be coached by the Miami Heat’s All-Star guard Dwayne Wade.

The game will be held on Friday, Feb. 13 in Phoenix during NBA All-Star 2009 and will be televised live nationally on TNT at 9 p.m. ET