2011 NBA All-Star Balloting

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: LeBron James (Mia) 1,518,807; Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) 1,143,391; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 1,049,544; Paul Pierce (Bos) 578,473; Chris Bosh (Mia) 427,551; Carlos Boozer (Chi) 320,661; Josh Smith (Atl) 280,158; Danilo Gallinari (NYK) 259,619; Danny Granger (Ind) 201,653; Luol Deng (Chi) 191,312.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 1,499,768; Derrick Rose (Chi) 1,225,575; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 1,171,311; Ray Allen (Bos) 630,588; John Wall (Was) 260,893; Brandon Jennings (Mil) 254,614; Raymond Felton (NYK) 246,208; Gilbert Arenas (Orl) 240,586; Jamal Crawford (Atl) 163,971, Darren Collison (Ind) 156,230.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 1,537,619; Shaquille O’Neal (Bos) 639,661; Joakim Noah (Chi) 291,107; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 245,253; Al Horford (Atl) 193,449; Roy Hibbert (Ind) 183,092; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 162,364; Brook Lopez (NJ) 125,022; JaVale McGee (Was) 106,710; Ben Wallace (Det) 79,017.

2011 NBA All-Star Balloting

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: Kevin Durant (OKC) 1,270,729; Carmelo Anthony (Den) 945,720; Pau Gasol (LAL) 851,456; Blake Griffin (LAC) 702,784; Tim Duncan (SA) 663,487; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 615,243; Lamar Odom (LAL) 364,950; Luis Scola (Hou) 347,986; Kevin Love (Min) 301,529; Caron Butler (Dal) 205,146.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,757,216; Chris Paul (NOH) 949,049; Manu Ginobili (SA) 593,718; Steve Nash (Pho) 522,215; Deron Williams (Utah) 487,887; Russell Westbrook (OKC) 463,250; Tony Parker (SA) 355,993; Jason Kidd (Dal) 303,164; Vince Carter (Pho) 277,430; Kevin Martin (Hou) 266,037.

Centers: Yao Ming (Hou) 928,928; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 660,576; Nene (Den) 389,263; Marc Gasol 352,136; Emeka Okafor (NOH) 317,677; Brendan Haywood (Dal) 276,777; Marcus Camby (Por) 201,133; Chris Kaman (LAC) 165,684; Andris Biedrins (GS) 126,567; DeMarcus Cousins (Sac) 110,230.

( – Edited version of release from National Basketball Association, published Jan. 7 – )

The way the voting has shaped up thus far, Orlando center Dwight Howard may be the only Magic player taking part in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 20 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. What’s worse, is that he’ll likely be playing alongside plenty of rivals at the annual showcase.

Howard is the leading vote getter in the Eastern Conference with 1,205,159 votes. He is followed at the center position by Shaquille O’Neal (506,621) of the Boston Celtics. LeBron James of the Miami Heat, a two-time All-Star MVP (2006, 2008), leads forwards in the East with 1,194,091 votes followed by Boston’s Kevin Garnett (850,687), the game’s 2003 MVP. The Heat’s Dwyane Wade, last years All-Star Game MVP, paces all guards with 1,167,649 votes as Boston’s Rajon Rondo is second among guards with 929,781 votes.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, a three-time All-Star MVP (2002, 2007, 2009), is the overall leader with 1,391,597 votes following the third balloting update. The announcement of the all-star starters will be made on Sunday, Jan. 27.

Bryant is followed at guard by Chris Paul (724,605) of the New Orleans Hornets. Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a member of last year’s All-NBA First Team, paces forwards in the West (945,944) while Carmelo Anthony (742,284) of the Denver Nuggets is second at that position. Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (754,583) is the leading vote getter among Western Conference centers with the Lakers center Andrew Bynum (493,237) coming in second.

Among the players just outside the top-two spots at their positions in each conference are New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire (826,628) and L.A. Lakers forward Pau Gasol (702,859), and Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (917,753) and San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (504,123).

Head coaches in each conference will vote to determine the remaining all-stars in their respective conference, which will be announced Thursday, Feb 3.

The NBA All-Star Game makes its fifth trip to Los Angeles and its second appearance at STAPLES Center, which last played host in 2004. The game also was played in Los Angeles in 1963, 1972, and 1983.

Orlando is scheduled to host the all-star game at Amway Center in 2012.

– (email JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com and follow at Facebook or @OrlandoSportsJC ) –

After beginning the year 0-3, the Highlanders won 10 games in a row before losing in the title game of the Great Florida Shootout at Silver Spurs Arena last week in Kissimmee. The only blemish for LHP (10-4) in the 16-team tournament came in a 59-50 loss in the finals against Maryland’s Bishop McNamara.

“We’re progressing,” said Turner, who played for the Magic from 1989-96. “I put together a really tough schedule for them because I really wanted to challenge them.”

And his young team has responded following the addition of several players who recently made a playoff push with the LHP football team.

“They performed tremendously at this tournament to be able to get to the finals,” Turner said. “I think it’s been a great test and hopefully as we move down the stretch through districts and the rest of our schedule that they’re prepared to play at that level.”

Lake Highland Prep opened the 30th annual tournament with a 78-74 win over Lexington (S.C.) behind 28 points and four assists from Jackson Trapp and 10 points and 12 rebounds from Lance Stokes. They then defeated San Diego Hoover 55-48 thanks to 16 points from freshman Joel Berry.

The win over Hoover proved to be a special one as the team out of California caught the interest of college recruiters such as Roy Williams and Danny Manning.

But perhaps the most impressive win for the Highlanders, though, came in a semifinal clash against fellow Class 3A foe Holy Trinity out of Melbourne.

LHP got big baskets from Berry and David Jean early in the overtime period, and key free throws from Berry and Trapp in the closing seconds, to secure a wild 56-53 win and a trip to the championship game.

Berry and Stokes were each named to the all-tournament team.

– (email JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com or follow @OrlandoSportsJC and Carnahan Chronicles) –

In celebration of the holiday season, the Orlando Magic will host four holiday basketball camps throughout the Central Florida community from Dec. 20–23 and Dec. 27–30. The camps are open to kids ages 7-16, and all skill levels are welcome.

To register, or for more information on Orlando Magic basketball camps, visit Orlando Magic Camps or call 216-378-0932.

Highlights of the holiday basketball camps will include:

• Four days of expert instruction from the National Basketball Academy (consisting of former college standouts, semi-professional players and top individual trainers).
• Stations, drills, skills contests and live games.
• Every participant receives an official camp T-shirt as well as various giveaways and prizes, and will be recognized during the Orlando Magic Camp awards ceremony on the last day.
• Select locations will feature guest appearances by Orlando Magic Dancers and celebrities.
• All campers receive a ticket to an Orlando Magic home game at the new Amway Center.

Four convenient locations are offered while local students are off on holiday breaks. Cost is $135 per camper.

@ Orlando Magic Practice Court at RDV Sportsplex (8701 Maitland Summit Blvd., Orlando, FL  32810) from Dec. 20-23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

@ Holy Family Catholic School (5125 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., Orlando, FL  32810) from Dec. 20-23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

@ Lake Mary Preparatory School (650 Rantoul Ln., Lake Mary, FL  32746) from Dec. 27-30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

@ Pro-Health Fitness Center (255 Borman Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32953) from Dec. 27-30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

– (email JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com or follow @OrlandoSportsJC and Carnahan Chronicles) –

In Central Florida, UCF has a new head coach and is gearing up for a matchup with the University of Florida at the new Amway Center. But at the high school level, all eyes will be on Winter Park senior Austin Rivers, considered the top prep player in the nation.

Rivers has already committed to Duke University, where current Orlando Magic players J.J. Redick and Chris Duhon once starred. He also considered North Carolina and Kansas after previously pulling out on a verbal agreement to join the Gators. With the college recruiting process wrapped up, the son of Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers can now focus on defending the Wildcats’ Class 6A state title before going on to suit up for Mike Krzyzewski.

In the Oct. 18, 2010 edition of Sports Illustrated, Dan Patrick featured Doc in his Just My Type column and asked about Austin’s recent college decision.

Dan Patrick: … your son Austin has committed to Duke. Did Coach K have to recruit you, as well as your son?

Doc Rivers: No, not really. I know Coach K, and I knew Roy Williams (UNC) and Bill Self (KU) and Billy Donovan (UF), so it was almost an uncomfortable… . It was not uncomfortable—it was different, when they come into your house and they’re selling their program. I go on a golf trip every year with Roy Williams, and he comes into my house with a suit and tie on. And I’m laughing! It was pretty interesting to watch, to actually watch guys you know do their job. So it was different. I’ll put it that way.

Patrick: What did Austin say your role was going to be when they came to the house?

Rivers: Be quiet! No, you know what we did? We had dinner with each guy, each coach and his assistants. And we’d just sit around the table and talk basketball and every other thing. And I thought it gave Austin a chance to see every coach as a human being, because I don’t know if we’re viewed as that when we’re coaching.

It won’t be long before Rivers and Redick are someday sharing stories of their experiences playing for the Blue Devils.

“I’ve always said that Duke is for some people and it’s not for other people, and Duke was the perfect fit for me,” said Redick just days before Rivers made his decision a month ago.

“I relished the challenge of playing there. It’s a challenge. You’re going to get every team’s best shot. Every practice is a challenge and you’re going to have to be on your game everyday and for me that was perfect. I loved that. I just had the most incredible experience there.”

He says he still very close to Coach K and the teammates he played with at Duke.

“Even the guys I didn’t play with, it’s like a fraternity,” he said. “If I see Elton Brand or Carlos Boozer, those guys, it’s like we played together because we played at Duke.”

Winter Park opens up the season with practices beginning on Nov. 1.

– (email JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com or follow @OrlandoSportsJC and Carnahan Chronicles) –

With a total of 13 NBA seasons under his belt, Adonal Foyle announced his retirement from the game earlier this week. Foyle’s talent on the court was discovered by two Colgate University professors who brought him to the United States and helped lay the foundation for a basketball career with the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic.

In addition to basketball, Foyle’s passion to make a difference has fueled the founding of the Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF). Since 2005, KLF has built/refurbished basketball courts in urban areas to provide safe places to play for more than 3,000 youth. KLF’s most recent mentorship program, All-Star Student Athletes, is designed to turn promising young basketball players from Foyle’s native country of St. Vincent & the Grenadines into successful student-athletes. Foyle was inducted into the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame for his work with KLF.

“I have loved every minute of the game,” said Foyle. “Retiring is bittersweet as my happiest memories are with the game. I’m looking forward to spending more time on humanitarian issues and mentoring the young basketball players who may need a voice of experience as they embark on their NBA careers.”

Foyle recently completed his third and final season with the Magic. Prior to that, he spent a decade with the Warriors, where he began his career as the NBA’s eighth overall pick in the draft. Foyle holds the Warriors’ all-time record in blocked shots (1,140) and is fifth on their all-time list for offensive rebounds and sixth for defensive rebounds.

Foyle’s education continues beyond the NBA. In addition to his plans to support his Kerosene Lamp Foundation, he is finishing up his Masters Degree in Sports Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. Foyle has written a poem to commemorate his love affair with basketball.

LOVE SONG TO A GAME

By: Adonal Foyle

How should I tell thee goodbye?

What can you say about a love affair to rival that of Romeo & Juliet? This is not just some melancholy ode to a hackneyed love of mortals.

I found our love deep in the entrails of the Caribbean Sea. Love that swept me to a land where our embrace became mythical.

You showed me a world that few have dreamt of.

Colgate’s golden steeple, a sojurn where ancient teachings flooded my mind.

There in the Chenango Valley where 13 sang my soul to flight, basketball laid siege to my soul.

I do not cry for the passing of our love for it stands radiant while my brittle bones crumble through swift time.

I have known you by so many faces; I will spend my end of days recalling.

You have infected so many with the allure of riches and black gold. But I am not angry with you my love. For to a boy who was lost in the bosom of nothing you gave hope and home.

Like the flickering of a light we come and go without much fuss. So I leave you to fend off seekers, hoping they too will cherish your unyielding countenance.

As for me, I will forever live in the glare of your loving embrace. From time to time I hope you will look in on this pitiful fool.

I will miss brothers of a quilt struggling with burning lights. If I offer advice, pierce beyond the glaring lights and see the faces behind the wall. Don’t be fooled by the magicians’ nibble fingers. For this is a life with mirrors and screens. Its only truth lies in the understanding it will all end.

The sound I will take home is the symphony of thousands of screaming friends.

Warriors, Magic and yes, Memphis too, I sing you praise, hope, blessings,

Flowing from a boy’s songs of thanks to you and you and you,to all I knew.

Please stay my “immortal love.”

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

“Chris (Duhon) provides depth, leadership and stability to our backcourt,” said Magic General Manager Otis Smith.  “He takes care of the basketball, defends well and can hit the open shot.  We’re very happy to add Chris to our team.”

Duhon (6’1, 190) played in 67 games - making 59 starts - last season with the New York Knicks. He averaged 7.4 points, 5.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game. Duhon led the Knicks in assists and was tied for fifth in the NBA in assists-to-turnover ratio at 378-110 while leading the team in scoring twice and in assists in 38 different games. He scored in double figures 23 times, including a season-high 25 points on Dec. 4 on the road against Atlanta, and also recorded 10-plus assists four times.

Duhon was originally selected in the second round (No. 38 overall) by the Chicago Bulls in the 2004 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 446 career NBA regular season games, averaging 7.7 points, 5.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per game while shooting .362 (553-1,526) from three-point range and .797 (554-695) from the free throw line.

- Pro Summer League -

Led by Patrick Ewing on the bench, the Orlando Magic finished with just a 1-4 mark last week at the 2010 AirTran Airways Pro Summer League. Oklahoma City led the way with a 4-1 record while Charlotte, Indiana, Utah and New Jersey each ended the week with 3-2 marks.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday paced all scorers with 19.3 points per game and was named to the All-Summer League First Team at the conclusion of the five-day event. The New Jersey Nets had two recipients on the First Team in guard/forward Terrence Williams (18.8 ppg, 5.0 apg) and forward Damion James (18.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg), while Boston forward Luke Harangody (16.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Oklahoma City center BJ Mullens (16.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) were also honored.

The All-Summer League Second Team consisted of Indiana Pacers center Magnum Rolle, Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson, Philadelphia 76ers guard Jodie Meeks, Oklahoma City guard James Harden and Bobcats forward Derrick Brown.

Honorable Mention honors went to Indiana’s Lance Stephenson, Josh McRoberts and Paul George, Utah’s Kosta Koufos and Gordon Hayward, Boston’s Jaycee Carroll, Oklahoma City’s Eric Maynor and Kyle Weaver and Orlando’s Joe Crawford, Paul Davis and Patrick Ewing, Jr.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Orton

The Magic took University of Kentucky center Daniel Orton in the first round with the 29th overall pick and University of Connecticut forward Stanley Robinson in the second round at No. 59 overall.

Robinson

Although Orton (6’10”, 255 lbs) played in all 38 games during his freshman season at Kentucky, after missing most of his senior season in high school with a knee injury, he played sparingly for the Wildcats. Orton averaged 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.39 blocks in 13.4 minutes per game for a team that reached the NCAA Elite Eight. He blocked two or more shots in a game 16 times last season and blocked four shots in a game four times.

Orton scored in double-figures twice as a freshman – 14 points against Rider on Nov. 21 and 10 points against Hartford on Dec. 29 – and grabbed a season-high nine rebounds Jan. 12 on the road against Florida.

Robinson (6’9”, 210 lbs) finished his four-year career at UConn ranked No. 30 on the school’s career scoring list with 1,231 points. He appeared in 126 career games – making 103 starts – while averaging 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.03 blocks per game. As a senior he averaged 14.5 points, a team-high 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.21 blocks per game.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Welcome to this edition of Orlando Sports Central Highlights…

– Orlando Magic Get New Look –

Fans will either grow to love it or hate it. Either way, the Orlando Magic will sport at bit of a new look this fall when they open the new Amway Center.

From the Magic: The new logo incorporates the Magic’s current jersey wordmark, giving a more integrated look.  It also continues the team’s colors with the Magic blue, Magic black and Magic silver.  The updated look includes the team’s current secondary logo with the iconic star ball for a smooth transition from old to new, building on the heritage and history of the Magic from its birth in 1989.

“This new logo signifies the beginning of a new era of excellence for the Orlando Magic and our fans,” said Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins. “We are excited about where our team is and the direction we are headed as we build on the legend already created and look forward to what the future holds.”

– UCF’s Culpepper Back In Action –

If all goes well between now and then, former UCF quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be back in the Florida Citrus Bowl on Thursday, Oct. 21 with his new football team, the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. The Mountain Lions will be in Orlando as visitors of the Florida Tuskers.

The 1998 All-American and Sammy Baugh Trophy recipient has reunited with two of his former coaches. Culpepper’s first NFL head coach, Dennis Green, is entering his second season, as is offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek, who coached him as a Golden Knight.

Green selected Culpepper with the 11th pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. After three trips to the Pro Bowl while with the Minnesota Vikings, he later wound up floating between the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions.

Following 95 career NFL starts with 23,208 passing yards, 146 touchdowns and 101 interceptions, his desire to continue playing the game of football prompted the reunion.

“When the opportunity came for me to sign with the UFL and play for coach Green in Sacramento I could not resist,” said Culpepper.

He’s also looking forward to teaming back up with Kruczek, whose offense helped Culpepper become just the third player in NCAA history to pass for more than 10,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 in a career. As a Knight, Culpepper passed for 11,412 career yards with 84 touchdowns.

After being named the starter in Minnesota in 2000, he led the Vikings to a 7-0 mark during a season that ended in an NFC Championship Game loss to the New York Giants, who were coached by Las Vegas Locos Head Coach Jim Fassel.

– UCF’s Coward An Outdoor All-American –

Of the three UCF track and field athletes competing at nationals this past weekend, it was sophomore Jackie Coward who came away with the program’s best-ever showing.

Coward became the first Knight to earn NCAA Outdoor All-American honors when she qualified fourth for the 100-meter hurdles at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. After clocking in at 13.04 seconds to qualify, she ran that same time in the finals for fifth place overall. Virginia Tech’s Queen Quedith Harrison won the title at 12.67.

By advancing to the championship stage, Coward became a two-time All-American. She previously advanced to the finals of the 60-meter hurdles at the 2009 NCAA Indoor Championships.

Sophomore Sheila Paul (100-meter dash) and freshman Sonnisha Williams (long jump) also competed on the campus of the University of Oregon but did not advance to championship contention.

– Winter Park FHSAA All-Sports Champs –

Continuing its tradition of winning, the boys and girls athletic programs at Winter Park High School swept the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup All-Sports Awards for the 2009-10 school year.

The Wildcats, with 1,173 total points, turned in an impressive margin of victory over Dr. Phillips (836.5) in the overall standings.

More details on standings for all classifications are available at the FHSAA site.

– Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camps –

The Orlando Magic is hosting youth basketball camps throughout Central Florida this summer designed for boys and girls of all skill levels ages 7-16. While many camp dates are already sold out, limited space is still available for a number of others.

Each camp session offers instruction provided by the National Basketball Academy and other top area coaches offering personalized attention, drills, skill development, live games and an individual player evaluation.

All participants receive an official camp T-shirt and headband, a full-size Magic basketball, a ticket to a 2010-11 Orlando Magic home game in the new Amway Center, daily giveaways, prizes, awards and other trivia, contests and games. Guest appearances by Magic players are subject to availability.

–– Remaining Dates/Locations –

– June 21-25 at Lake Mary Preparatory School – 650 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary 32746

– June 21-25 at 24 Hour Fitness – 15 West Crystal Lake Dr., Orlando 32806

– June 28-July 2 at Orlando Sports Center (Vince Carter’s Orlando Magic Basketball Camp) – 6700 Kingspointe Parkway, Orlando 32819

– July 5-9 at The First Academy – 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando 32805

– July 5-9 at Celebration School K-8 – 1809 Celebration Blvd., Celebration 34747

– July 5-9 at Warner University (Jason Williams’ 2010 Overnight Basketball Camp) – 13895 Highway 27, Lake Wales 33859

– July 12-16 at Willow Creek Church – 4725 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs 32708

– July 12-16 at Lake Mary Preparatory School – 650 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary 32746

– July 19-23 at Pro-Health and Fitness Center – 8705 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne 32940

– August 2-6 at Orlando Christian Prep – 500 South Semoran Blvd., Orlando 32807

– August 2-6 at Lyman High School – 865 S. Ronald Regan Blvd., Longwood 32750

– August 9-13 at Magic Practice Court – RDV Sportsplex at 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd, Orlando 32810

– August 9-13 at Bolles Middle School – 7400 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 32217

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

Earlier today the Magic organization took to the streets of Orlando to thank fans for another season of support. Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer addressed fans in front of City Hall. The entire Magic front office staff, community ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, STUFF the Magic Mascot and the Orlando Magic Dancers were all part of the thanksgiving efforts. Fans were treated to drinks, donuts and a number of other giveaways.

The Orlando Magic finished the 2009-10 season with it’s second straight appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals before losing in six games.

Point guard Jameer Nelson led the team in scoring this postseason with 19 points per game on 48-percent shooting from the field. He also led the team in assists (4.8 per game) while averaging 3.6 rebounds and one steal per contest.

Center Dwight Howard averaged 18.1 points (61-percent shooting), 11.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots per game.

– Stay Connected –

Official Site

Magic Basketball

Howard The Dunk

Orlando Magic Daily

Orlando Pinstriped Post

About the Magic… Since it’s inception in 1989 the Magic has won five division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010), had six 50-plus win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009.

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –

The most magical week in sports is returning to Orlando for the second time, as the city has been selected to host NBA All-Star 2012 at the new Amway Center. Orlando Magic President Bob Vander Weide, Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joined NBA Commissioner David Stern downtown on Tuesday to make the official announcement.

David Stern (Photo by J.C. Carnahan)

Orlando also hosted the 1992 All-Star Game.

The 61st NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 26 following a weekend of events featuring the Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Friday, Feb. 24 and NBA All-Star Saturday Night which consists of Shooting Stars, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest. The NBA All-Star Jam Session and interactive basketball celebration will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, where fans will have the chance to meet and collect free autographs from NBA players and legends.

The 2011-12 season will mark the 28th year that Turner Sports will provide NBA All-Star coverage, and the 10th consecutive year the All-Star Game will be televised in primetime on TNT.  The All-Star Game will be seen by a worldwide television audience in more than 200 countries and territories and in more than 40 languages.

During NBA All-Star 2012, the NBA will continue to celebrate its tradition and commitment to social responsibility with a schedule of NBA Cares events. NBA Cares will partner with schools, government, and local nonprofit organizations in Orlando and surrounding areas to highlight the league’s grassroots and community initiatives that reach millions of young people and their parents while providing critical resources to community-based programs.

– Remember When? –

Few All-Star Games have rivaled the one Orlando hosted in 1992 in which the West defeated the East, 153-113, at Orlando Arena. The game is best remembered for the return of Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who had retired in November 1991 after contracting HIV.

By the time the final buzzer sounded on that game, Johnson had gone one-on-one with both Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan, and turned in a vintage performance by recording game highs of 25 points and nine assists to win his second All-Star MVP award. Golden State guard Tim Hardaway, who had allowed Johnson to replace him in the starting lineup, contributed 14 points and seven assists.