Marcus Smart in Rising Stars Challenge

As the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities kicked off Friday night, Marcus Smart got a chance to participate in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, a game that pits the top NBA rookies and sophomores against each other.

The current format features a USA team and a World team. Former OSU point guard and lottery pick Marcus Smart got the start for the USA squad.

Most important of course was Smart's choice in footwear.

Kickin' it with @smart_ms3 at #BBVARisingStars! #AllStarKicks https://t.co/MN1KrYjvNv

— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2016

Early observation from the Rising Stars Challenge: I want the shoes @smart_MS3 is wearing

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 13, 2016

Smart didn't have his most efficient game...

Marcus Smart scored 3 points on 1-for-8 shooting with 4 reb and 5 ast as Team USA edges Team World 157-154 in the Rising Stars Challenge

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) February 13, 2016

But hey, it's an exhibition game. He did look good in practice though...

.@smart_MS3 drains a half-court shot on his first try #NBAAllStarTOhttps://t.co/4GZuPZ9iPL

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) February 13, 2016

Coolest Marcus Smart vine you'll see all weekend https://t.co/W69kz91lFr

— Tyler Sullivan (@TylerSully) February 13, 2016

In case you were wondering, the USA team won 157-154. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine was the MVP of the game with 30 points, seven rebounds and four assists.