NBA Rising Stars winners and losers: VJ Edgecombe wins MVP, Cooper Flagg misses showcase with injury
CBS Sports
by
Cameron Salerno
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 NBA All-Star weekend kicked off with a thrilling Rising Stars Challenge in Inglewood, Calif., where VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers emerged as the standout player. Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft, was named MVP after leading Team Vince to a victory over Team Melo. The game format, which split top rookies, sophomores, and G League players into four teams, proved successful once again, with all three games Friday night delivering competitive and entertaining performances.
Edgecombe stole the spotlight with his high-flying style and clutch free throw in the title game. His 17 points in the semifinals and six rebounds in the final helped Team Vince secure the win. Meanwhile, fans were disappointed by the absence of Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, who missed the showcase due to a mid-foot sprain just hours before the game. Despite his injury, Flagg is expected to return soon and make an impact on the court.
Among the rising stars, Yang Hansen of Portland made a strong impression off the bench for Team Austin, scoring 10 points in the opening semifinal. The No. 16 overall pick showcased potential that could carry him through the rest of the season. Another notable moment came when Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick, outdueled his older brother Ron Harper Jr., securing a win for Team Melo with a game-winning jumper.
The Rising Stars Challenge format received widespread praise for its ability to generate excitement and competition. Edgecombe's comments about wanting to "win the event" highlighted the players' dedication to the game, adding authenticity to the proceedings. While some fans might have hoped for a more dramatic finish to the title game, the overall success of the event suggests it should remain a staple of All-Star weekend.
For sports enthusiasts, this year's Rising Stars Challenge delivered memorable moments and showcased the next generation of NBA talent. Edgecombe's MVP performance, Flagg's injury setback, and Hansen's breakout game remind fans that the future of basketball is bright. The event not only entertainede but also provided insight into which young players are making a name for themselves in the league.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026