Cason Wallace on Friday expressed his appreciation for getting voted to the NBA Rising Stars game amid a strong rookie campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wallace is among 11 first-year players selected to compete in the event on Friday in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is joined by rookie teammate Chet Holmgren and sophomore Jalen Williams, though he will play on separate teams in the competition.
The 10th pick is averaging 6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 41.2% shooting from 3-point range in 54 games with the Thunder. He is 10th among rookies in steals (37) and previously led the league in 3-point percentage (50.0).
He was honored to be named to the Rising Stars game.
It feels good just knowing that everybody is seeing my game and knowing that I’m pretty good. I appreciate them for noticing that, you know? I’m kind of flying under the radar a little, but they notice.
Wallace has stepped in this season and provided the Thunder with another on-ball defender. He was highly touted out of Kentucky on the defensive end of the floor, with his size, strength and instincts to jump passing lanes and maneuver around screens.
The 20-year-old has filled various roles, from starting to contributing to the second unit. He previously earned praise from coach Mark Daigneault for his poise and maturity as a first-year player and credits that to his brother, Keaton, and father, Mike.
“My older brother and my dad (instilled in me) that I have to grow up and be a man about certain situations and take care of my business first,” Wallace said. “I feel like I got it from them.”
Cason Wallace practicing for the Rising Stars pic.twitter.com/hQ8XHUSAdl
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Wallace has impressed the team since early in training camp and has earned the trust of his teammates and coaching staff to play a large role this season. He has drawn some tough defensive assignments, and the team completely trusts him in those situations.
His overall numbers may not earn him a place on an All-Rookie team, but the guard is contributing at a high level nightly. The team knows Wallace will bring energy and effort every game, which will be needed throughout the year.
He is happy to be doing that on a winning team.
“It is great just being a part of a winning organization and seeing that we can win a game against some of the best teams in the league,” Wallace said. “We want to keep doing that.”
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