Jarrett Culver has had an up and down rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard is averaging 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, but he has struggled with efficiency and is shooting less than 40 percent from the field and just 27.7 percent from deep.

On the other hand, in the last few weeks, Culver has begun to show why exactly he was so highly regarded as a prospect coming out of Texas Tech.

In the month of January, Culver is averaging 14.5 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting an efficient 45.7 percent from the field. According to Timberwolves Digital Content Manager Kyle Ratke, Culver has four games of 10 points, five rebounds and five assists since December, 30. The only rookie to have more such games in that timespan is Rookie of the Year favorite Ja Morant.

Culver's excellent play as of late gives him a chance to represent the Timberwolves at this year's Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend in Chicago — an opportunity that excites the young rookie.

“That’d be very fun for me – a great opportunity,” Culver said. “A blessing, for sure. I’m just gonna keep working. It’s not my decision who pick, but just keep working to get in that. I think I should, but I’m just gonna keep working for it.”

The Rising Stars Challenge features rookie and second-year players across the league and pits American-born players versus international players in the NBA. Teams for the event will be chosen on January 28, and Jarrett Culver will likely join Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie who played for Team World last season.