Denver rookie Nene Halario has been playing strongly for the Nuggets this season, and he has been on fire of late including his 29 point 9 rebound effort against the Utah Jazz and, more importantly, Karl Malone.

According to some league officials Halario's solid play has earnt him a position on the rookie squad which will play in the Rookie-Sophmore game in Atlanta, a fact Hilario refuses to accept until it becomes official later today when the NBA announces the teams.

"If the results are true, I'm very happy," he said. "It's exciting and nice to have your effort acknowledged and appreciated, especially by people in the sport."

Hilario will be one of nine players chosen out of this year's draft class to take part in the festivities on Feb. 7-9.  Hilario will suit up on Feb 8 against the cream of last year's draft crop.

"(Hilario) is certainly one of the very elite rookies in this league," Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik said. "He plays with great passion, great heart and great effort."

He's a wonderful player, a wonderful athlete," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said.

"If you like basketball, you certainly like to watch him play every day."

Hilario will be the third player from the Nuggets franchise and first since James Posey and Raef LaFrentz played in the 2000 to appear in the rookie game.