Donovan Clingan, Yang Hansen Excel at NBA Rising Stars, Fueling Future Ambitions

Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen showcased their skills during the NBA Rising Stars tournament in Inglewood, California. Both players, representing the Portland Trail Blazers, seized the opportunity to perform on a prominent stage on February 13.

Players in the Spotlight

Clingan, who stands at 7-foot-2, played for Team Melo, while Hansen, a 7-foot-1 rookie from China, was on Team Austin. Their journey to the tournament began with a late flight from Portland after a game against the Utah Jazz, followed by a packed schedule of activities.

Game Highlights

• Clingan started strong, scoring Team Melo’s first points with a two-handed alley-oop dunk.
• He scored a total of nine points in Team Melo’s opening game, leading them to a 40-34 victory.
• Hansen contributed significantly to Team Austin, scoring important points and showcasing his skills.
• Yang hit a three-pointer and executed a finger roll layup over Clingan, adding excitement to the match-up.

The friendly competition between the two teammates was electrifying. Yang jokingly taunted Clingan during the game, adding a layer of fun to the high-octane setting. Despite their playful rivalry, Team Melo emerged victorious.

Reflecting on the Experience

After a busy series of games, Clingan expressed his enthusiasm about playing on such a significant platform. He emphasized the importance of hard work to reach greater heights in his career. With aspirations for future NBA All-Star appearances, he noted, “It just shows me the next step.”

• Clingan intends to focus on improving following the All-Star weekend.
• He mentions the need for rest and preparation moving forward.

Hansen, known for his humor, expressed a desire for more representation of Asian players in the NBA. He mentioned his excitement about meeting his idol, Nikola Jokic, during the festivities. His lighthearted demeanor resonated throughout the tournament.

Future Ambitions

Both players left the Rising Stars tournament eager to develop their skills and contribute further to their team. Clingan and Hansen’s performances highlighted their potential and set the stage for exciting futures in the NBA.