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Okafor to learn from the stars this weekend

TORONTO – Jahlil Okafor's goal is to get as much knowledge as possible in two days. The 76ers center hopes to converse with the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry and other NBA all-stars while here at All-Star Weekend.

Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles the ball as Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) defends during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center.
Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dribbles the ball as Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) defends during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center.Read more(Jeff Hanisch/USA Today)

TORONTO – Jahlil Okafor's goal is to get as much knowledge as possible in two days.

The 76ers center hopes to converse with the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry and other NBA all-stars while here at All-Star Weekend.

"Pretty much [that's the plan] being around guys who have been there and done it consistently," said Okafor, who, along with Sixers teammate Nerlens Noel, was voted to take part in Friday night's Rising Stars Challenge at Air Canada Centre.

"I'm not staying there the whole time," Okafor said. "I'm leaving on Saturday to go to Duke. But the days I am there, I'm trying to experience everything I can."

Okafor, the third overall pick out of Duke in June's draft, is one of the headliners for the challenge. The game feature first-and second-year players from the United States against a team consisting of first- and second-year players from around the rest of the world. Okafor and Noel were selected for Team USA.

However, Noel will be a bystander in the exhibition due to having tendonitis in his right knee. The second-year power forward/center will be replaced by Phoenix Suns rookie guard Devin Booker.

Noel also missed Wednesday's loss to the Sacramento Kings with the injury. Coach Brett Brown won't give a timetable for Noel's expected return. However, a person close the shot-blocker said he would have been able to play if Friday's matchup was an actual regular-season game. The thought was that it's best for Noel to sit out the exhibition game.

"I would have loved to play in this great game, but my health comes first," Noel said. "I will just get ready for New Orleans."
The Sixers' first game after All-Star break is at the Peiicans on Feb. 19.

Meanwhile, Okafor will get another opportunity on Friday to show why he is a lock to make the all-rookie team. The Sixers' 6-foot-11, 265-pound center and Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns are the co-rookie scoring leaders, each with averages of 17.1 points per games. Okafor also ranks third in rebounding at an average of 7.4 per game.

He said he's also excited about spending a few days at Duke after playing in the Challenge.

"That's kind of my home right now," the former Chicago prep standout said of Durham, N.C., where Duke is located. "To see my [former] teammates, who are like my brothers, to see the coaches, it's just a good environment for me to be in."

kpompey@phillynews.com

@PompeyOnSixers

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