Beijing, China – Rising basketball phenom Yang Hansen, the 19-year-old center from the Chinese mainland, has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, announcing his ambitions to compete at basketball’s highest level. Standing at 2.18 meters, Yang emphasized his readiness to embrace new challenges during a Saturday press conference: "This is the most important decision in my life. I want to showcase myself on a bigger stage."
Yang’s announcement follows a breakout season with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he propelled his team to the playoffs quarterfinals while averaging 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.6 blocks per game. His performance earned him All-CBA First Team honors and consecutive Top Young Rising Star awards.
Reflecting on his development, Yang highlighted his participation in the 2023 NBA Summer League and the FIBA U19 World Cup as pivotal experiences. "Competing globally boosted my confidence," he noted, adding that his training with Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group – agency to NBA stars like LeBron James – will now expand with specialized U.S. coaching programs.
The center’s national team debut in February 2024 further solidified his reputation, with 13 points and 4 assists in China’s decisive 80-49 FIBA Asia Cup victory over Mongolia. Analysts suggest Yang’s combination of size, agility, and defensive prowess could make him a compelling prospect for NBA teams seeking international talent.
Yang’s journey mirrors China’s growing influence in global sports, offering fresh opportunities for cross-cultural exchange while strengthening the basketball pipeline between Asia and North America.
