SNAPSHOT
A big man who is not lacking in height, China's Hansen Yang stands a towering seven-foot-one, and although he is still raw as a prospect, should be right in the mix for selection during the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago.
Although he still has development ahead in his shooting and speed, Yang's old school style of play mixed with his height and overall feel for the game could see him blossom into a frontcourt weapon for teams at the top level in the coming years.
DRAFT PROFILE
Born in Zibo, Shandong, Yang began playing basketball at an early age, and enrolled in the Zibo Sports School to try and focus on his development as a junior. In 2020, he began to catch the eye of several clubs around the country, and joined the Qingdao Guoxin Haitian Club.
He led the team to the Under-17 National Championship, also being named the tournament's Best Defensive Player for his efforts in the frontcourt as well. They defended their title the following year, and the big man was named Most Valuable Player to cap off his breakout journey with the team.
During the 2023/24 Chinese Basketball Association season, Yang was called up to the Qingdao Guoxin Aquatic Products first team, marking his professional debut. He seemed to thrive at the top level, starting in the All-Star game and garnering plenty of attention from NBA scouts.
During his second and final season in the CBA, Yang averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.6 blocks per game, while shooting 58.6 per cent from the field, 33.3 per cent from three-point land and 67.1 per cent from the charity stripe.
STRENGTHS
+ Paint defence
+ Inside Scoring
+ Passing for his position
+ Rebounding
IMPROVEMENTS
- Shooting
- Perimeter defence
Yang proved himself as a reliable shot blocker throughout both his junior career and his time in the CBA, making the most of his impressive height and wingspan to prove a roadblock in the paint. He averaged well over two blocks per game throughout his two years in a professional environment and will be hoping to continue that in the NBA.
On the offensive end, his one-wood is scoring in the paint, again making the most of his physical attributes although his post work is just as impressive. Yang uses strong footwork as well as an excellent touch around the rim to prove a reliable contributor on the scoring front.
Despite being one of the taller prospects in the draft class, his passing is still incredibly impressive, and can be a huge tool for him at the top level. He makes excellent decisions with ball in hand, and can even have offensive sets run through him, which is a massive bonus.
There is not much in terms of shooting ability at this stage in his career, rarely attempting a long-range shot during his time in the CBA, but many centers have developed this skill after being drafted, and he could follow the same trajectory.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Second Round
Yang has an old-school skillset in the frontcourt and the size to match, and could be a viable long term option for an NBA side. If he can develop his shooting and keep being productive in the paint on both ends of the floor, he could be a serious weapon.
