As the NBA’s All-Star Weekend draws closer, the Rising Stars showcase is starting to take shape - and there’s a distinct Utah connection in this year’s lineup.
Two players with ties to the Beehive State have earned spots in the annual event that highlights the league’s top young talent. Egor Demin, the former BYU standout and current Brooklyn Nets rookie, has been named to the Rookie team. Meanwhile, Sean East II, who’s been making noise with the Salt Lake City Stars, will suit up for the NBA G League squad.
Demin, taken eighth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough season for Brooklyn. The 6-foot-9 guard has played in 39 of the Nets’ 44 games heading into Monday night, starting 32 of them.
He’s putting up 10.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 3 rebounds per game - solid numbers for a rookie still finding his NBA footing. But what really jumps off the page is his shooting.
After struggling from deep during his lone season at BYU (just 27.3% from three), Demin has flipped the script in Brooklyn, knocking down 39.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc. That kind of leap speaks volumes about his work ethic and adaptability at the pro level.
As for East, he’s been quietly putting together a strong campaign in the G League. In 14 games with the Stars, he’s averaging 17.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds - numbers that reflect both his scoring ability and his feel for running an offense. His inclusion in the G League team gives Utah fans another reason to tune in during All-Star Weekend.
One name notably missing from the Rising Stars Rookie group, however, is Jazz rookie Ace Bailey. The No. 5 overall pick in last year’s draft is the only player selected in the top nine who didn’t make the cut.
Bailey has played in 39 of Utah’s 46 games so far, starting 28 of them. He’s averaging 10.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists - numbers that, on paper, are right in line with several of his rookie peers who did get the nod.
It’s a surprising omission, especially given Bailey’s role and production on a Jazz team that’s leaned heavily on its young core. But Rising Stars selections often come down to more than just stats - team performance, individual moments, and even narrative can all play a role. Bailey’s absence might sting for now, but there’s plenty of season left for him to continue making his case.
For Demin and East, though, the Rising Stars stage is a well-earned recognition of their growth and impact. And for Utah hoops fans, it’s a chance to see two familiar faces shine on a national stage.