UK basketball will be well represented at the NBA's All-Star Weekend

I wrote a couple weeks back about the University of Kentucky's growing influence on the NBA. Nothing could have solidified that more than five former Wildcats being selected to participate in this weekend's festivities.

Despite tearing his ACL on Jan. 25, Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo was honored as an All-Star selection. It was Rondo's fourth straight selection to the event. Join me now in wishing Rondo a speedy recovery -- ACL's are the red-headed step-child of athlete legs.

Former UK guard and current Los Angeles Clipper Eric Bledsoe will showcase his hops in the 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Vegas has the odds of Bledsoe taking home the trophy at 15/2 -- tied for the lowest among all contestants. I wouldn't be so quick to count him out, though -- judges love short(er) guys in these things and Bledsoe's a freak athletically.

The BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, formerly known as the rookie/sophomore game, will have three former Wildcats participating. Anthony Davis and Brandon Knight will be coached by Charles Barkley while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will run game with Shaquille O'Neal's team.

The Taco Bell Skills Challenge is an obstacle course that tests a point guards combination of fundamentals and athletic abilities. Former UK point guard Brandon Knight will be participating in the challenge. He's the youngest player in the competition and is the only Wildcat performing in two different competitions.

Join me in rooting on the former Wildcats as they make their mark on the NBA's All-Star weekend.