Video by Hoop County.
🏀 The Draft Night Shock
When the Portland Trail Blazers called Yang Hansen’s name with the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, jaws dropped across the league. Analysts had him buried in the 50s—or not listed at all. CBS gave the move a “9.5 out of 10” on the shock scale, and one executive called it “the wildest pick I’ve ever seen.” Yang wasn’t even in the green room—he was in the stands, hugging his family, stunned. For fans and media, it looked like a gamble. For Portland, it was anything but.
🔍 Two Years in the Making
Behind the scenes, the Blazers had been tracking Yang for two years. General manager Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups quietly scouted him at international tournaments and private workouts, impressed by his mix of size, vision, and creativity. They kept their intentions under wraps—no leaks, no tip-offs—and even traded back in the draft order, knowing he’d still be there. What the world saw as a shock pick was, in reality, a carefully executed plan.
🇨🇳 From Zibo to the Big Time
Yang’s journey to that moment began in Zibo, China, where he was born in 2005. Now 20, he rose through a modest sports school and Qingdao’s youth system, winning national youth titles in 2021 and 2022 while earning Best Defender and MVP honors. In the Chinese Basketball Association, he quickly dominated: Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and consecutive All-Star appearances. Over 96 games, he averaged 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks. More than stats, it was his playmaking—like a point guard in a giant’s body—that made him different.
Video by Golden Hoops. Highlights showcases Yang Hansen’s game.
🌏 More Than Basketball
The pick reverberated far beyond Portland. In China, his summer league debut streamed to millions on Tencent, sparking documentaries and fan debates about whether he could be the country’s biggest star since Yao Ming. Now comes the challenge: bulking up, adapting to NBA speed, and managing expectations on two continents. It all makes the start of the season even more compelling. Yang Hansen is not just Portland’s surprise rookie—he’s one of the key factors to watch when the NBA tips off. If he delivers, Portland’s two-year gamble won’t just look smart—it could stand as one of the boldest masterstrokes in recent draft history.
