Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez has won a fan vote to compete in the 2009 NBA Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Phoenix on Feb. 14, The Oregonian has learned.
For the first time, the NBA this season opened a slot in the contest for a rookie, who would be chosen by a fan vote. Fernandez won the voting over Milwaukee's Joe Alexander and Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook.Fernandez will compete against reigning dunk champion Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, as well as New York's Nate Robinson and Memphis forward Rudy Gay.
Fernandez initially said he would like to bring teammate and countryman Sergio Rodriguez to the event to throw passes, but Rodriguez at the time said he would decline in favor of vacationing. However, teammate Brandon Roy - who should be a shoo-in for the All-Star reserves - said if he is selected to the team he would assist Fernandez in the competition.
The selection of Fernandez to the competition will be officially announced at a press conference Monday at 12:30 at the Blazers practice facility in Tualatin.