Dante Exum embracing challenge of his maiden All-Star weekend

UTAH’S Aussie point guard Dante Exum is embracing the challenge of competing at his first All-Star weekend for the international Rising Stars.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 5: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court during their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at EnergySolutions Arena on November 5, 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)

UTAH’S Aussie point guard Dante Exum will compete at his first All-Star weekend for the international Rising Stars team who will face an outfit of youngsters from the US.

Exum admits his rookie season in the NBA has had its “ups and downs”, but says he’s ready to rise to challenge at the showpiece event.

DANTE EXUM EARNS ALL-STARS CALL-UP

“I love being in this situation, it gives me an opportunity to grow and learn ... it’s not an opportunity many people get and I definitely love being here,” Exum said.

“It’s a huge step up and it’s been a bit of an up and down season but we’re (Utah) getting better as a team every day and I’m improving and getting more comfortable.

Dante Exum drives around Cleveland star Kyrie Irving.

“The coaches have trusted me with the starting role to try and be that lockdown defender against some of the great point guards in the league and I’m trying to make the most of it.”

Exum will be joined by fellow Aussie and Cleveland guard Matthew Dellavedova as well as Utah teammate Rudy Gobert.

“It’s a good experience, I’ve played with a couple of the guys before and (Matthew) Dellavedova’s going to be in the game, it’s going to be a fun game to be involved in.”

“I’ve got my teammate Rudy (Gobert) with me, so I’m going to try and throw a few lobs to him and just have fun.”

Originally published as Dante Exum embracing challenge of his maiden All-Star weekend