In an exciting turn of events, Abbeville native and 2024 Olympic silver medalist Shelby McEwen is set to participate in the 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The event will take place on Friday, February 14th at Oakland Arena in California. This star-studded game brings together a diverse roster of celebrities from various fields, including entertainment, sports, music, film, and more. ESPN platforms, including ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+, will broadcast the game live. McEwen will be playing for Team Rice, coached by Jerry Rice and Khaby Lame. His impressive journey from Oxford High School to becoming an Olympian has been nothing short of remarkable.
A Star-Studded Lineup Awaits
The upcoming NBA All-Star Celebrity Game promises to be an unforgettable event with its eclectic mix of participants. The game features a lineup that spans multiple industries, ensuring a dynamic and entertaining experience for viewers. Among the notable figures joining McEwen are personalities from music, film, sports, and wrestling. Cassidy Hubbarth will host the event, while Mark Jones will provide play-by-play commentary, supported by analysts Richard Jefferson and Stephanie White. The game's diversity and star power make it a must-watch event for fans across all spectrums.
This year's game includes two teams: Team Rice and Team Bounds. Team Rice, where McEwen will play, is led by coaches Jerry Rice and Khaby Lame. Other team members include Matt Barnes, Bayley, Chris Brickley, AP Dhillon, Druski, Walker Hayes, Terrell Owens, Shaboozey, Oliver Stark, and Kayla Thornton. Each player brings unique talents and experiences, adding depth and excitement to the competition. Team Bounds, coached by Barry Bonds and 2 Chainz, boasts equally impressive talent, including Kai Genat, Baron Davis, Rome Flynn, Allisha Gray, Mickey Guyton, Tucker Halpern, Noah Kahan, Danny Ramirez, Masai Russell, Pablo Schrieber, and Dylan Wang. The clash between these two formidable teams promises thrilling moments and unexpected twists.
McEwen's Journey to the Spotlight
Shelby McEwen's path to the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is a testament to his dedication and versatility as an athlete. Born in Abbeville, McEwen attended Oxford High School, where he excelled in both basketball and track from 2013 to 2015. After graduating, he continued his athletic pursuits at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he further honed his skills. His exceptional performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he competed from 2017 to 2019. During this time, McEwen garnered numerous accolades, including All-American and All-SEC honors.
McEwen's most significant achievement came at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he secured a silver medal in high jump. He jumped an impressive 2.36 meters, tying for the lead with New Zealand's Hamish Kerr. Both athletes were offered the option to share the gold medal, but Kerr opted for a jump-off. Despite ultimately losing to Kerr, McEwen's performance was a highlight of the games. His participation in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game marks another milestone in his illustrious career, showcasing his ability to excel in various sporting disciplines. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing how McEwen will perform alongside other celebrities and athletes, adding yet another chapter to his inspiring story.