Spain - Garbajosa added to rookie team

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Jorge Garbajosa knows the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge that is part of the NBA's all-star game doesn't play to his strengths, but that's not really a big deal.

"It's a great honour," the 29-year-old Raptor said yesterday after being named to the nine-man rookie team along with teammate Andrea Bargnani. "The game? Whatever it is, is fine."

The game is little more than a defence-free exhibition of dunks and running up and down the court, hardly Garbajosa's strong suits.

"For Garbo, it's the fact he's proving to people he can play in the NBA," Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said last night. "Obviously, it was a big deal when we drafted Andrea No.1 ... but I think it was kind of under the radar signing Garbajosa.

"No one really knew who he was or knew much about him outside of the NBA circles."

Garbajosa will be the oldest player in the game, and the only one not drafted into the NBA.

It would have been farfetched before the season to find someone who expected him to be chosen.

"I don't try to think about personal trophies or whatever you want to call it," he said. "I just try to do my job every day and when this kind of thing happens it is good for you."

The selection of Bargnani was a no-brainer. He's third among rookies in scoring, averaging 10.1 points per game and is fourth in minutes at 23.2 – Garbajosa is third at 29.1.

And Bargnani will fit in fine with the free-flowing style of play.

"I think Andrea will surprise you," said Mitchell. "If it's running up and down getting up some shots, Big Rook's (Bargnani) going to get his shots up, I promise you that much."

Jose Calderon was left off the sophomore team as coaches took guards Deron Williams of Utah, Chris Paul of New Orleans, Monta Ellis of Golden State and Charlotte's Raymond Felton.