Fazekas makes All-Star Team

A second Maverick is headed to New Orleans and it’s not Josh Howard. Rookie forward Nick Fazekas was chosen to play in the D-League All-Star Game on Feb. 16 in New Orleans. The second-round pick out of Nevada is averaging 18.9 points for the Tulsa 66ers.

Perhaps he can follow in the footsteps of Dallas’ last representative in the D-League All-Star Game. Former Mavs forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu was games’ MVP last year in Las Vegas. Check out the rest of the D-League All-Star roster.

“I’m excited to be selected to the All-Star team and looking forward to enjoying all the All-Star events,” Fazekas said. “I see it as another opportunity to showcase my skills to the NBA.”

Fazekas (6-11, 235) was selected No. 34 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He saw action in two games earlier this season before being assigned to affiliate Tulsa on Nov. 20. In 26 games (22 starts) with the 66ers, Fazekas is also averaging 9.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 30.7 minutes per game, while shooting 54.7 percent from the field.

“Nick has worked extremely hard to put himself in this position,” Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. “We’re proud to have him represent the Mavericks at All-Star Weekend. Nick is proof that the D-League works.”

Fazekas finished his collegiate career at Nevada as the school’s all-time leading scorer (2,464 points) and shot blocker (192). He was named the WAC Player of the Year three times (2005, 2006 and 2007) and was a consensus second team All-American as a senior. Fazekas is one of just six players in NCAA history to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and 80% from the free throw line.