June 26 , the 2025 NBA Draft was held today. The Portland Trail Blazers selected Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th pick in the first round, officially bringing this highly anticipated young inside player into the world's highest basketball hall. With the release of the draft results, Yang Hansen also became the third player in Chinese history to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft after Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.

The 20- year-old Yang Hansen has demonstrated excellent all-round ability and mature basketball IQ during his time with the CBA Qingdao Guoxin Men's Basketball Team. In the 2024-2025 season, he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2.6 blocks per game. He is dominant on both offense and defense and is one of the core players that Chinese basketball has focused on cultivating in recent years.

The Trail Blazers have been committed to rebuilding and building a young lineup in recent years. The selection of Hansen Yang also highlights the team's high recognition of his potential. Whether it is his excellent footwork under the basket, defensive coverage, or the overall view in high-post offense, Hansen Yang has shown the qualities that are enough to gain a foothold in the NBA.

It is worth mentioning that Yang Hansen is not only the third first-round pick in China, but also the first local player in recent years to jump directly from the CBA league to the first round of the NBA. For Chinese basketball, this is a very iconic moment, representing that a new generation of local players are gradually gaining recognition in the international arena.

Currently, the Trail Blazers have many young players and potential new stars. The addition of Hansen Yang will undoubtedly provide the team with more options and vitality in the interior. Fans are also looking forward to the Chinese center 's debut in the NBA and a new basketball journey.