Chinese basketball center Yang Hansen announces participation in NBA Draft
Chinese center Yang Hansen officially announced his intention to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft on Saturday. "This is the most important decision in my life. I want to showcase myself on a bigger stage," the 19-year-old shared. "Two years ago,...
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Chinese center Yang Hansen officially announced his intention to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft on Saturday.
"This is the most important decision in my life. I want to showcase myself on a bigger stage," the 19-year-old shared. "Two years ago, I competed against the best players of my age worldwide at the FIBA U19 Men's Basketball World Cup, which boosted my confidence and fueled my determination to reach new heights."
Yang also reflected on important experiences that contributed to his development: "I also attended the NBA Summer League with our national team last year. It was a vital opportunity for me to gain experience."
As the Chinese Basketball Association Playoffs progress, Yang has been showcasing his talents by leading the Qingdao Eagles to the quarterfinals, ultimately falling to the top-seeded Guangsha Lions 3-2 in a best-of-five series.
"Now, I believe it's time to improve myself and learn more at a higher level. I want to express my gratitude to my club and our fans for their unwavering support," remarked the 2.18-meter center.
In January, Yang's domestic representatives announced that he had signed with Rich Paul's Klutch Sports Group, a prominent agency known for representing NBA stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and De'Aaron Fox.
"Klutch Sports Group recommended experienced coaches coming to China to provide guidance in basketball skills, tactics, and living habits. There will be more training plans in the United States," Yang noted. "I will be ready both mentally and physically."
During the 2024-25 CBA regular season, Yang averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, three assists, and one steal per game. He also led the league with an impressive average of 2.6 blocks per game. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the All-CBA First Team and Top Young Rising Star honors for the second consecutive year, and he was selected to the starting lineup for the All-Star Game.
Yang also made a notable impact during his senior national team debut in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying in February 2024, scoring 13 points and handing out four assists in 19 minutes to help China secure an 80-49 victory over Mongolia.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
"This is the most important decision in my life. I want to showcase myself on a bigger stage," the 19-year-old shared. "Two years ago, I competed against the best players of my age worldwide at the FIBA U19 Men's Basketball World Cup, which boosted my confidence and fueled my determination to reach new heights."
Yang also reflected on important experiences that contributed to his development: "I also attended the NBA Summer League with our national team last year. It was a vital opportunity for me to gain experience."
As the Chinese Basketball Association Playoffs progress, Yang has been showcasing his talents by leading the Qingdao Eagles to the quarterfinals, ultimately falling to the top-seeded Guangsha Lions 3-2 in a best-of-five series.
"Now, I believe it's time to improve myself and learn more at a higher level. I want to express my gratitude to my club and our fans for their unwavering support," remarked the 2.18-meter center.
In January, Yang's domestic representatives announced that he had signed with Rich Paul's Klutch Sports Group, a prominent agency known for representing NBA stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and De'Aaron Fox.
"Klutch Sports Group recommended experienced coaches coming to China to provide guidance in basketball skills, tactics, and living habits. There will be more training plans in the United States," Yang noted. "I will be ready both mentally and physically."
During the 2024-25 CBA regular season, Yang averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, three assists, and one steal per game. He also led the league with an impressive average of 2.6 blocks per game. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the All-CBA First Team and Top Young Rising Star honors for the second consecutive year, and he was selected to the starting lineup for the All-Star Game.
Yang also made a notable impact during his senior national team debut in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying in February 2024, scoring 13 points and handing out four assists in 19 minutes to help China secure an 80-49 victory over Mongolia.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
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