SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs will be well represented at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Rookie Victor Wembanyama will participate in the Rising Stars event and the Skill Challenge, and Dominick Barlow will join him in Indianapolis.
Barlow was recently selected to participate in the G League “Next Up” game for his solid play with the Austin Spurs, averaging 25.2 points, 2.0 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 7.8 rebounds in 12 games played at the Showcase Cup Tournament.
He also recorded a whopping 35 points against Rio Grande this season.
That kind of performance has earned him a spot with San Antonio backing up Wembanyama, and he's making the most of it.
With San Antonio, he averages 13.4 minutes, with 4.5 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He posted a season-high 12 points versus Charlotte on Jan. 19 as well.
I had a chance to catch up with the Spurs' big man to discuss his making it to the big event in Indianapolis, his time with Austin, and more.
Jeff: Congratulations. How exciting is it for you?
Dominick: Yes, it's exciting about making it to All-Star Weekend. You watched it as a kid growing up. Knowing that I'm going to be a part of that is pretty cool.
Jeff: How did you find out you made it?
Dominick: My agent told me. I knew a couple of days ago. Just really excited.
Jeff: How much has that Austin Spurs experience helped you so far?
Dominick: I think it's been helping a lot. Just playing more basketball. Understanding what we're trying to do here (San Antonio) and some of the stuff that I come to work on that I'm doing in Austin. I think it is a good balance, and it's been helpful.
Jeff: What are those things you've been working on in Austin?
Dominick: A lot of stuff. Besides team structure stuff, obviously, shooting the ball is important in the NBA. I'm working on that. Just reading the game. Defensively, just doing different stuff in different coverages.
Jeff: Have you ever been to an NBA All-Star Game?
Dominick: No, I haven't. Before I started playing, I had only been to two NBA games.
Jeff: When will you know which team you will play with at the event?
Dominick: I have no idea how it works structurally.
Jeff: You're going to go there and wear whichever jersey, huh?
Dominick: Yup! Just go in there!
The NBA G League Up Next Game will feature four teams of seven players competing in two semifinal games. The winner of each semifinal will face off in a Championship game.
The game will be on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 12:30 p.m. CT as part of the NBA All-Star 2024.