Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen smiles during their NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Portland, US, April 12, 2026. /VCG
Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen smiles during their NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Portland, US, April 12, 2026. /VCG
Following in the footsteps of legends like Yao Ming and Wang Zhizhi, 20-year-old Chinese center Yang Hansen has officially completed his first chapter in the NBA.
Drafted 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft, the 2.16-meter phenom shared his reflections on a rookie year defined by growth, cultural adaptation, and a deep respect for the game's global reach.
For Yang, the transition from the Qingdao Eagles in the CBA to the world's top league was a surreal experience. After a solid regular season where he played 43 games, Portland secured a playoff berth, eventually falling in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs.
"I cherish this season very much," Yang told Sports Scene anchor Greg Laffradi. "This was a brand-new competition and brand-new league for me. I just gradually adapted and made sure to learn how the game operates. It was a very wonderful experience."
The young center even admitted to a few "starstruck" moments early on. "During a pre-season game, when I saw Stephen Curry running and shooting on the court from the sideline, it felt like I was playing a video game," he laughed. "There was a sense of unreality."
Yang's rookie journey included stints with Portland's G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix. While some might see a demotion as a setback, the CBA's former Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year viewed it as a vital part of his development.
"As a player, this is part of the job, and so is maintaining a positive attitude," Yang noted. "Playing in the G League also helped me stay in shape and improve my skills, which is a good thing."
Off the court, Yang has been busy integrating into life in the Pacific Northwest. He noted that the reception from the Portland community has been "very encouraging," with locals often recognizing him on the streets to offer words of support.
He has also developed a fondness for the region's outdoor lifestyle. "People here love outdoor activities. There are mountains and lakes nearby," he said. "In the summer, many people like to go there to row boats. I went there as well."
As Yang prepares to rejoin the Chinese national team for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, he remains a firm believer in the ability of sports to bridge international divides.
"Sports transcend national boundaries," Yang said. "Even if we don't speak the same language on the court, we can still communicate... I think more Chinese players should come to the US to compete, and more American players should also go to China. This would definitely be helpful."