Chinese NBA Rookie Yang Hansen Shares His Father’s Impactful Advice on His Basketball Career

Chinese NBA Rookie Yang Hansen Shares His Father’s Impactful Advice on His Basketball Career

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired the draft rights to Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center from China, in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 20-year-old is ready to make a significant impact in the NBA this season.

While Yang Hansen remains relatively unknown outside dedicated basketball circles, his journey is compelling. He began playing basketball in elementary school and later joined the Chinese Basketball Association, where he played for the Qingdao Eagles. His efforts on the court have not gone unnoticed; Yang earned All-Star honors in 2024 and 2025 and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

Under the guidance of head coach Chauncey Billups, Yang aims to become a crucial component for the Trail Blazers as the NBA season unfolds.

Father’s Influence

In a recent interview with a major media outlet, Yang opened up about his relationship with basketball and the pivotal role his father, Yang Lin, played in his journey. At just 8 years old, Yang was close to quitting sports due to the grueling practice conditions. His father encouraged him to persevere, believing hard work in sports could eventually pave the way for college opportunities.

Yang experimented with various sports before ultimately rediscovering his passion for basketball. “I wasn’t very successful in school and struggled with my weight,” he shared. “My father urged me to find a sport that I could excel in and also help me shed some pounds. He always emphasized the importance of staying active, urging me not to ‘become fat.'”

Trail Blazers and NBA Aspirations

Yang Hansen is on track to become the ninth Chinese player in NBA history once he takes the floor for the Trail Blazers. He follows in the footsteps of icons like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, both of whom helped to pave the way for future Chinese players in the league.

Currently, the only other active Chinese player in the NBA is Cui Yongxi, who played a limited role for the Brooklyn Nets last season before suffering a torn ACL in a G League game.

Handling Expectations

Yang is aware of the substantial expectations placed upon him as a Chinese player entering the NBA. He acknowledged the pressure to succeed and represent his country on such a prestigious stage. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure on me,” he admitted. “I want to prove to people in China that I can excel. Before I moved to the States, Yao Ming reached out to me, sharing valuable insights from his journey. He told me to enjoy the simple things in life: the food, the drinks, and getting quality sleep.”

Yang understands the legacy he is stepping into. “Yao is an icon in Chinese basketball. What he achieved is extraordinary. I view myself as just a rookie trying to find my way. The expectations weigh heavily on me; compared to him, I am ‘cold ash in a pot.'”

His Journey Ahead

As Yang prepares for his inaugural season with the Portland Trail Blazers, he remains committed to honing his skills and making a lasting impression in the NBA. His trajectory is a reminder of how determination, coupled with strong familial support, can shape a young athlete’s journey.

Fans worldwide will undoubtedly be watching Yang’s progress closely, eager to see how he adapts to the challenges of the NBA and whether he will fulfill his potential as a valuable player. With the lessons imparted by his father and the legacy of greats like Yao Ming behind him, Yang Hansen is ready to embrace this new chapter.

The support from his community and the expectations of his homeland are set to drive him as he embarks on what promises to be an exciting professional career.