Yang Hansen Rates His 18 Points and 10 Rebounds as “Pretty Solid,” Jokes About His Physical Opponent: “I’ll Be Smiling When He Fouls Out”

On December 16 (Beijing time), the G League season opener continued as the Rip City Remix secured a 116–110 win over the Stockton Kings. Chinese prospect Yang Hansen started and logged 31 minutes and 26 seconds, posting 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 8-of-11 from the field. He also knocked down his lone three-pointer and went 1-for-1 at the free-throw line. After the game, Yang spoke with reporters.

Asked to assess his performance, Yang described it as “pretty solid” and “so-so” in his own understated way. “Everyone knows I came over from an overseas league,” Yang said through a translator. “Playing for the Remix helps me adapt to the pace here as much as possible. That way, if Portland calls me up, I can be ready to give everything and help the team.”

Stockton forward Jeffries took on the role of Yang’s primary defensive matchup, and the two battled relentlessly for position in the paint. The physicality reached a peak when Jeffries finished a fast-break dunk through Yang’s contest, then pointed and celebrated emphatically in the rookie’s direction.

Yang never backed down. Throughout the sequence—and the entire game—he met the contact with poise, often responding with his trademark sly grin. And the Kings paid a price for lacking size, as Yang delivered his most efficient outing since joining the Remix.

“Go ahead and bump me—no problem,” Yang said when asked how he handled the constant physical play and being singled out defensively. “If he’s the one fouling, he’ll be the one sitting soon. That’s normal. I’m just waiting for him to foul out—then I’ll be smiling at him. A little playful payback.”

Late in the game, Jeffries hurried a pass to avoid a five-second inbound violation. Remix guard Cook read it perfectly, jumped the lane, and came away with the steal that effectively sealed the win. Cook was fouled immediately after, and as Yang walked upcourt, he turned his head toward the sideline—spotting Jet and Bjorkgren behind Jeffries—and flashed that familiar grin once again.

“I saw them standing right behind Jeffries,” Yang recalled with a laugh. “So in that moment I wanted to show my toughness and keep pressing—try to force that five-second violation.”

Remix head coach Huscke praised Yang’s impact after the final buzzer, noting that he’s still developing chemistry with his teammates but already producing at a high level. “He’s doing so much for us,” the coach said. “His defense deserves real credit—he uses his height and length in the paint, and every drive gets challenged. Offensively, he’s a hub for us. With him organizing and connecting plays, our offense runs smoothly.”