Rubio looking forward to Rising Stars Challenge

15 February 2013 12:17

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio says the opportunity to play in the Friday's Rising Stars Challenge is a 'dream come true'.

Rubio will represent Team Chuck - selected by Charles Barkley - against Shaquille O'Neal's Team Shaq as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston.

The Spaniard is making his second consecutive appearance in the game, which is for first- and second-year players.

"It's amazing and I love being a part of this," he said.

"When you're growing up, you always watched these events and now to be part of all of that is a dream come true."

The All-Star Weekend got underway on Thursday with the All-Star Jam Session opening ceremony.

Hundreds of fans flocked to join in the activities, which included practice sessions led by several NBA and WNBA players with local children.

There was also an opportunity for fans to see the Larry O'Brien Trophy, handed out to the NBA champions.