Holiday thrilled with all-star selection

Jrue Holiday said that he kept his composure at the Flyers game on Thursday when he found out that he had been named as one of the seven reserves for the Eastern Conference All-Star Team on Thursday.

But when he got home, well, it sounds like that was a different story.

"I was happy," said Holiday, one of five first-time all stars named by coaches to Eastern Conference team. "Obviously I contained it until I got home and could express it and not embarrass myself in front of the rest of the world.

"But when I got home I was damn near jumping for joy," Holiday said. "How many people get to play in the All-Star Game?"

Holiday is one of five first time selections on the Eastern Conference Team. He is also the youngest 76ers to be named to the team. The All-Star Game will be played Feb. 17 in Houston.

"That was surprising to me when you consider that guys like Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson played here," said Holiday. "It's just really a great honor to be selected by the coaches."

Sixers coach Doug Collins, himself a four-time all star, shot Holiday a text when he got the news. To make the team, Holiday had to beat out players such as New Jersey's Deron Williams and Brandon Jennings of Milwaukee.

"I think the coaches looked out and they saw this young guy who is on this steady climb to be a great player," Collins said of Holiday, who is averaging 19.0 points and 9.0 assists, both career highs. "This is going to be a moment for Jrue to walk into that locker room and to be a part of something very special.

Collins' perspective on the game is unique because he has played in it, coached it and broadcasted the game.

"I have seen it from all angles and I am really happy for him," Collins said. "And in a year that has been disappointing for us record wise and with what we have had to go through with injuries and all, this is a ray of sunshine and I hope our fans are very happy.