Chinese basketball player Yang Hansen goes to Portland Trail Blazers

Star center Yang Hansen became the third Chinese player to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft where he was picked 16th overall and is headed to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Portland initially had the 11th pick and traded their pick positions with the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I am very happy," said Yang, who turns 20 on Thursday. "I was also surprised and excited. My legs are shaking even now."

Standing at 2.18 meters, Yang is now the highest-ranked Chinese draft pick since Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, who were selected No. 1 by the Houston Rockets in 2002 and No. 6 by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007, respectively.

"I am very happy for him, it's a very good position," said Wang Zhizhi, who played in the NBA for five seasons and mentored Yang during his time with the Chinese U19 national team. "He is young and talented, hopefully he can become the new Great Wall of the Chinese team."

Yang enters the NBA after a pair of standout seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). During the 2024-2025 regular season, he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.0 steal per game, showcasing the all-around skills that intrigued NBA scouts. His passing ability, particularly from the high post, drew frequent comparisons to European big men.

"He needs to work really hard to adapt to the games in the NBA," added Wang, a core member of the Chinese men's national team that finished eighth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "He has got good touch near the rim, but he has to be faster, stronger and sharper. We are looking forward to seeing his improvement in the NBA."

Yang echoed Wang's comments, saying his goal for the upcoming NBA season is to make every second of playing time count, with the aim of hitting at least one three-pointer per game.

"I need to improve in areas like running speed, physical strength, shooting, defending pick-and-rolls, and rim protection. Making progress every day is what matters," Yang said.

On Tuesday morning, Yang wrote on Chinese social media platform Weibo: "Measuring the distance to dream with steps." Now that one of his dreams has come true, Yang vowed to continue with passion and perseverance.

"Your daily training and effort don't go unnoticed by coaches and fans. Only by staying driven and pouring endless sweat into your craft will you earn opportunities and trust from the coach," he said.

Former Chinese Basketball Association president Yao Ming, one of Yang's predecessors in the NBA, also offered a message for him and other young Chinese players.

"Selected or not, it's only a very little step of your life. Please also make every future step count," said Yao on Tuesday.

In Wednesday's NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks selected Duke forward Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper went No. 2 to the San Antonio Spurs, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers taking VJ Edgecombe with the third pick.