Clingan and Hansen Represent Blazers Organizations at 2026 NBA Rising Stars
Donvan Clingan, representing the Portland Trail Blazers, and Yang Hansen, from the Rip City Remix (a G-League affiliate), made their mark at the NBA Rising Stars competition during the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend in Inglewood, California.
Competition Structure
The tournament featured a unique mini-tournament format, bringing together three teams of NBA rookies and second-year players, alongside one team composed of G-League stars. Legendary figures Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady served as honorary coaches for the NBA teams, while Austin Rivers guided the G-League squad.
NBA assistant coaches selected 21 NBA rookies and sophomores, with Clingan chosen 18th overall for Team Melo. The NBA League office selected seven G-League players, including Hansen, for Team Austin. The competition was structured with two semi-finals, each a race to 40 points, culminating in a final played to 25 points.
Semi-final Showdown
The first semi-final brought an anticipated matchup between Hansen's Team Austin and Clingan's Team Melo. Clingan started strong for Team Melo, winning the opening tip and immediately impacting the game.
Clingan delivered a standout performance in the semi-final, scoring his team's first seven points.
He finished the game with nine points, two rebounds, and one block, converting one of his four three-point attempts. Clingan's nine points tied for Team Melo's high score alongside Reed Sheppard.
Hansen entered the game with Team Austin trailing 9-14. He quickly made an impact, sinking an unguarded three-pointer and completing a conventional three-point play with a successful free throw, helping his team take a lead. Hansen concluded his semi-final appearance with 10 points, boasting an 80% field goal percentage, making his only free throw attempt, and securing two rebounds. He remained in the game after his initial substitution and even executed a notable play where he faked Clingan before driving for a layup.
Ultimately, Team Melo emerged victorious with a 40-34 win, advancing Clingan's team to the final. In the second semi-final, Team Vince defeated Team T-Mac 41-36, with VJ Edgecombe leading the scoring with 17 points.
Dramatic Final Performance
In the championship game, Clingan once again started strong, scoring the initial six points for Team Melo via two three-pointers. He played the entire final, though his offensive involvement saw a decrease after his early scoring burst, with one additional missed three-point attempt. Defensively, Clingan was often positioned away from the basket, which at times impacted his effectiveness.
The final moments of the game delivered high drama.
With Team Melo leading 24-23, Clingan blocked VJ Edgecombe's potential winning drive but was controversially whistled for a foul.
Edgecombe then converted both free throws, securing a 25-24 victory for Team Vince. Clingan finished the final with six points and one rebound.