Feb. 16, 2026, 2:15 p.m. ET

LA Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhäuser put forth a strong showing in the NBA Rising Stars Game on Friday, and the rookie was grateful to suit up in the annual showcase.

Niederhäuser was among seven players from the G League chosen to participate after logging nine appearances with the San Diego Clippers. He played alongside the likes of Yang Hansen, Alijah Martin, Tristen Newton and Jahmir Young, among others.

The 30th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft dazzled on the court, producing a game-high 11 points to lead Team Austin (Rivers) in a loss to Team Melo at the Intuit Dome. He enjoyed the chance to compete in an exhibition of the top young players in the league.

“It is definitely different,” Niederhäuser said afterward. “Teammates are going to play hard when you’re playing with them. It was a nice experience, man. I loved it.”

Niederhäuser has played sparingly in the NBA, averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in nine minutes across 34 appearances. He has scored in double figures four times, including a season-high-tying 16 points and five rebounds on Jan. 14.

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The 22-year-old has posted averages of 14.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 assists on 57.1% shooting from the field in the G League. He has registered four double-doubles, including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort on Jan. 23.

Niederhäuser was highly touted out of Penn State after establishing himself as one of the top big men in the country last season. He has showcased his potential in spurts throughout the season and is thankful to keep working with the Clippers.

“I think this Rising Stars is really social,” Niederhäuser said. “It is a humbling experience for me, too, because this is one day, one game. You just play to (a target score of) 40. I enjoyed the whole day. That reminds me of what it means to be in the NBA. At the beginning, it was like, ‘Wow, I’m in the NBA. I have all these games now.’ And you forget about that. Moments like this remind me of where I’m at, what stage I’m at.”