Yang Hansen vs. Maruachi! Development League debut showdown between friends with the same Blazers-style tactics

At 10 a.m. Beijing time on November 15, the Rip City Remix will face the Valley Suns, marking Yang Hansen's first game in the Development League. Notably, before this game, the 10th pick Maruachi was also assigned to the Valley Suns, meaning Hansen will debut against his close friend. The two trained together as prospects before the draft.

Yang Hansen was selected 16th overall in the first round by the Blazers and showed promising performances in the Summer League and preseason. However, once the regular season began, he struggled to adapt to the NBA’s pace and physicality, resulting in fewer playing opportunities. So far this season, he has appeared in only 5 games, averaging 5.8 minutes, 1.8 points, and 0.8 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 22.2%. He hasn’t played in the last 6 games. Maruachi has had a similar situation, appearing in just 7 games this season, averaging 5 minutes, 1.9 points, and 0.9 rebounds per game.

To maintain his competitive form and better adjust to the NBA’s rhythm, Yang Hansen will temporarily compete in the Development League. When asked about Yang’s progress, the Blazers’ interim coach Spriet said last week, “He’s doing very well, working hard every day. Clearly, he’s learning a lot and gaining valuable experience. He’s really putting in the effort and performing great.”

In recent weeks, Spriet has repeatedly emphasized that his expectations for Yang Hansen have remained simple and consistent: his development is a “marathon, not a sprint,” and the team has a long-term plan for his rookie season. Spriet also mentioned that the team doesn’t want to put too much pressure on Yang too early, so as not to hinder his long-term potential.

According to Blazers reporter Freeman, the Rip City Remix employ the same tactical system and style of play as the Blazers.Playing in the Development League is a natural part of a player’s growth, especially for someone like Yang Hansen who lacks high-level competition experience and has yet to prove himself. Under NBA rules, players with less than three years of NBA service and under contract can be assigned to the Development League an unlimited number of times, so this likely won’t be the last time Yang wears the Remix jersey.

What kind of stats will Yang Hansen put up in today’s game? What sparks will fly in his matchup against Maruachi? Let’s wait and see.