Yang Hansen wasn’t even invited to sit with the top prospects on the first night of the NBA draft. But the center from China became a surprise first-round pick anyway.

Yang Hansen, the Portland Trail Blazers 2025 draft pick, listens as translator Chris Liu answers a question for the media at the team s practice facility on Friday, June, 27, 2025.© Sean Meagher ...

Though not many can relate to being 7'1" or an NBA first-round pick, Hansen's interests outside of basketball were very relatable to many fans. Several fans loved Hansen's answer, and chimed in on ...

Yang was a late riser in the 2025 Draft cycle after averaging 16.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 blocks for the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association.

The Trail Blazers introduced Chinese center Yang Hansen after drafting him No. 16 overall. The 7-1 prospect is known for his size, skills and strong basketball IQ.

Overview A 19-year-old big man out of China, Yang Hansen is considered one of the top prospects in the country. Yang has plenty of experience at the professional level, as he spent the previous ...

PORTLAND, Ore. — Yang Hansen is going to fit into American culture just fine. The Trail Blazers' 7-foot-1 Chinese center was introduced to Portland on Friday, and was asked about his interests.

Some even compared Yang to a certain Serbian player with three MVP awards in his trophy case. “I like to eat” oh yeah he’s the next Jokic for sure — APHoops (@APH00PS) June 27, 2025 ...

In the Chinese Basketball Association, Yang used his blend of size and skill well, averaging 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

Unlike most NBA players who develop their passion for basketball early, Portland Trail Blazers first-round draft pick Yang Hansen didn’t take to the sport until he was about 13. “Before that ...