Rookie Challenge
 

The sophomores are on a definite role in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam.

The second-year class has won each of the last four encounters with their rookie opponents by double-digits after the first three meetings of the series were reasonably close.

The sophs lead the series 5-2 overall and have a +10.3 point differential over the history of the series, commenced in 2000.

Unlike the Sunday’s All-Star Game, the Rookie Challenge totals stay within the stratosphere, averaging 221.7 points over the seven games to date.

The highest-scoring affair was 2004’s 142-118 shootout. The lowest-scoring was the inaugural matchup in 2000, in which only 173 points were scored despite the game going to overtime (the only extra period required in the series so far).

This year’s first-year squad is undersized but talented, with athletic wings and strong perimeter shooting.

Marcus Williams has shown flashes at the point, but none of he, Randy Foye and Jordan Farmar has logged enough time at the position to come even close to the sophomores’ wealth at the 1-spot.

The key for the rookies will likely be their 3-point shooting, especially if Adam Morrison shakes his recent doldrums.