Chinese NBA newcomer shares his father’s vital guidance before starting his basketball career
Chinese NBA Newcomer Reveals Father’s Crucial Advice as He Begins Basketball Journey
When Yang Hansen steps onto the court for the Portland Trail Blazers, he’s not just representing himself—he’s carrying the hopes of an entire basketball nation. At just 20 years old and standing 7-foot-1, the Chinese center is already making headlines as the latest talent to join the NBA from China, following legends like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian. But long before the 2025 NBA Draft made his dreams a reality, it was his father’s words that set him on this path.
Yang’s journey to the NBA began in the playgrounds of Qingdao, China, where his father, former pro player Yang Lin, played a pivotal role. Speaking to The Washington Post, Yang Hansen recalled a childhood crossroads: “I wasn’t that good at school, and I was a little bit of a fat boy,” he said. Struggling with motivation and considering quitting sports at just eight years old, Yang faced a simple but stern push from his dad: “Don’t become fat.”
It may sound blunt, but the advice worked. Yang dedicated himself to basketball, later starring for the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). His efforts paid off—he was named a CBA All-Star in both 2024 and 2025 and picked up the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award. His rise caught the eye of the Memphis Grizzlies, who selected him as the 16th pick before trading his draft rights to the Trail Blazers, signaling the start of a new era in Portland under coach Chauncey Billups.
Yang’s arrival marks him as the ninth Chinese player to enter the NBA. With only one other active Chinese player—Cui Yongxi, who played briefly for the Nets before an injury—Yang knows the weight of expectation. “It’s a lot of pressure, for sure. I just want to show the people in China I’m doing good,” Yang explained. Basketball experts see his arrival as a potential boost for the NBA’s profile in China, a market that has seen wavering engagement since Yao Ming’s retirement.
Yao Ming himself reached out before Yang left for the U.S., offering pragmatic guidance: “Enjoy your food, enjoy your drinks, enjoy your sleep and enjoy everything.” For Yang, those words underscore a legacy he admires but feels humbled by. “He’s special. I’m just a rookie. I can feel a lot of expectations and anticipation on me. Yao is number one in paradise. Compared to him, I’m cold ash in a pot,” Yang remarked with humility.
Sports analysts point out that Yang’s defensive skills and experience in the CBA give him a unique edge as he transitions to the NBA. “Players like Yang, who’ve proven themselves internationally at a young age, often bring a different intensity and perspective to the league,” noted NBA commentator Mark Liu. However, some caution that adapting to the NBA’s fast-paced style and heightened competition will be a challenge.
As the NBA continues to expand its global reach, the spotlight on Yang Hansen will be intense. His journey also mirrors broader questions about international players’ paths—challenges faced, family support, and the growing impact of Asian athletes in U.S. pro sports. For more insights on leadership and emerging sports stories, check out this in-depth look at leadership and risk in pro sports.
Yang’s story is a vivid reminder that behind every rising star are lessons learned at home—lessons that echo all the way to the NBA’s brightest stage.
Source: www.foxnews.com