Thompson Brothers Shine at NBA Rising Stars Challenge in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons wing and NBA Rising Stars participant, brought a taste of California to his visit in San Francisco on February 14, 2025. Upon his arrival, he made a pit stop at a local In-N-Out burger to indulge in his favorite meal, a ‘Double-double with cheese and lettuce, no onions and no tomatoes.’

Ausar’s twin brother, Amen Thompson, who was picked in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft to play for the Houston Rockets, arrived shortly after for the weekend’s festivities. Despite moving to Florida in middle school, the twins’ connections to the Bay Area remain strong. ‘I was really trying to make it to this event this year, just because it’s in the Bay and across the bridge from where I grew up,’ Amen said.

The twins are set to compete on ‘Team M,’ coached by Warriors legend Mitch Richmond, at the Rising Stars Challenge at Chase Center, featuring young talent in their first and second NBA years. Both brothers are seen as future stars, with Amen’s explosive play and Ausar’s versatile scoring being key highlights during the season.

Before achieving their current success, the Thompsons were dedicated young players at John Muir Middle School in San Leandro, California. They participated in tournaments with the Vision AAU team, cherishing those formative experiences. ‘Some of the best days of my life. I feel like that was a family,’ Amen recalled.

Now residing on opposite coasts, the brothers have not forgotten their roots. ‘It’s a big basketball scene, and I feel like they need more exposure,’ Ausar noted, reflecting on the untapped talent in the Bay Area.

Frank Knight, head coach of Moreau Catholic’s boys basketball team, emphasized the outstanding talent that has emerged from the region. He highlighted past legends like Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, and many others linked to the Bay Area basketball scene. ‘We have always had talent,’ Knight stated.

Amen has made impressive strides this season, averaging 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His performances include making a career-high 33 points against the Boston Celtics and a triple-double against the Phoenix Suns.

Should the twins win both of their games on Friday night, they will have the opportunity to face actual NBA All-Stars in the final round, thanks to a new competitive format for the event. ‘I think it’s kind of cool, and I think it’s going to bring some competitiveness to the All-Star Game,’ Amen said, expressing hope for a victory.

Ausar’s path has been more challenging due to injury setbacks and team dynamics, but he is finding his rhythm, scoring double figures in his last seven games. As friends and family gather in San Francisco to support them, the Rising Stars event symbolizes a return to their beginnings and an opportunity for national recognition.

‘To be here with my brother where it all started, on the same team, it’s a crazy experience,’ Ausar shared, emphasizing the significance of their time in the Bay.