In a stunning twist at Thursday's NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected 19-year-old Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 14th overall pick – a move that defied projections and electrified basketball circles across Asia. The 7'1" phenom from Qingdao became China's third-highest NBA draft selection ever, surpassing expectations that he'd be chosen in the second round.
Yang's selection marks a watershed moment for Asian basketball talent development. "This isn't just about height or skill," noted sports analyst Li Wei. "Yang represents a new generation of Chinese athletes blending technical discipline with creative playmaking – qualities that translate globally."
The draft surprise comes as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasizes international growth, with China remaining a key market. Yang's first-round status guarantees a $4.2 million rookie contract, with scouts praising his 9.1 blocks per game in China's CBA development league.
While Yao Ming (2002) and Yi Jianlian (2007) remain China's top NBA draft picks, Yang's selection signals renewed confidence in the country's player development systems. The move could spark fresh investment in China's basketball infrastructure and create new opportunities for cross-Pacific sports partnerships.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com