The format was straightforward: the four teams were split into two semifinal matchups, with each game played to 40 points. The two winners then advanced to a championship game played to 25.

Egor Demin found himself on Vince Carter’s team alongside Carter Bryant (yes, the same one who took part in the Slam Dunk Contest), Matas Buzelis (one of Chicago’s standout sophomores who has made tremendous progress this season), VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia’s third overall draft pick), Kyshawn George (Washington’s versatile young forward), Derik Queen (an impressive rookie from New Orleans), Jaylen Wells, whose momentum has cooled somewhat in Memphis, and Cedric Coward, also representing the Grizzlies.

Carter’s squad opened the tournament against Tracy McGrady’s team, featuring Kon Knueppel, Kel’el Ware, Cam Spencer, Tre Johnson, and several other promising prospects. From the opening minutes, VJ Edgecombe took control, knocking down six of his eight field-goal attempts and scoring 17 of his team’s 41 points. Demin, meanwhile, focused primarily on the defensive end and initiating the offense. He grabbed two rebounds (including one offensive board), handed out two assists, recorded a steal, and converted one of his three shot attempts.

Egor may not have been the biggest star of the game, but he certainly caught fans’ attention—not only with his play, but also with his eye-catching sneakers. His pink-and-silver shoes, nicknamed “Hubba Bubba,” instantly brought back a wave of childhood nostalgia. Surely you remember that too? Back to basketball, though. Powered by Edgecombe, Demin, and the rest of the squad, Vince Carter’s team advanced comfortably to the final with a 41–36 victory.

Waiting for them in the championship game was Carmelo Anthony’s team, headlined by San Antonio’s promising duo of Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, towering center Donovan Clingan, and talented youngsters Ace Bailey, Reed Sheppard, and Jeremiah Fears.

Just as in the semifinal, Edgecombe led Carter’s team in scoring, finishing with six points. But this time, he had plenty of help: Carter Bryant added five, while Matas Buzelis chipped in four. Demin once again made his presence felt on the glass with two rebounds and a block, while also contributing a field goal to the box score.

The title, however, was decided at the free-throw line rather than from open play. With Carmelo Anthony’s team leading 24–23, Edgecombe drew a foul and calmly knocked down both free throws to secure a dramatic 25–24 victory. He was deservedly named Rising Stars MVP, while Demin, after a productive showing throughout the tournament, collected the first trophy of his career—even if it didn’t come with the Brooklyn Nets and wasn’t the biggest prize imaginable.

Still, every trophy cabinet has to start somewhere, and winning NBA Rising Stars is, to say the least, a pretty nice addition to a career that has only just begun. Even more important was everything that came with it. Demin experienced the atmosphere of All-Star Weekend firsthand, built chemistry with players like Matas Buzelis, met many of the best talents of his generation, and proved that, even now, he belongs among the NBA’s brightest young players. Now we wait to see Egor back at Rising Stars next year—because, as everyone knows, defending a title is always harder than winning it in the first place.