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SBOTOP: Yang Hansen Officially Unveiled as New Portland Trail Blazers Player

In what has been one of the most surprising and talked-about moments of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers made headlines by selecting Yang Hansen, a 20-year-old prospect from China, with the 16th overall pick. The move not only marked a bold statement of intent from the franchise but also made Yang just the third Chinese-born player in history to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft, following in the footsteps of Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.

Yang Hansen Feels an Instant Connection with Portland

On Friday, June 27, the Trail Blazers held an official press conference at their practice facility in Tualatin, Oregon, to welcome Yang Hansen to the team. Sеаtеd bеtwееn general mаnаgеr Jое Crоnіn аnd hеаd соасh Chauncey Billups, with a translator оn hіѕ lеft, Yаng ѕроkе humblу аnd соnfіdеntlу to the gаthеrеd mеdіа, ѕwіtсhіng bеtwееn Mаndаrіn аnd mоmеntѕ of lighthearted Englіѕh.

“Thank you to everyone who came today,” Yang said during his opening remarks. “I’m really happy to be a part of the Blazers family.”

With a smile, he added humorously:

“At the next press conference, I hope I can kick out my translator and speak in English myself,” which drew laughter from the room.

Yang shared that he had fallen in love with Portland during his draft workout a month earlier.

“I know it rains here a lot, but the scenery is absolutely stunning,” he said in Mandarin. “Honestly, I felt something magical the moment I arrived. On my way home, I just kept seeing beautiful landscapes.”

A Meaningful Name and a Destiny Fulfilled

Yang’s full name, Yang Hansen, holds a poetic meaning in Mandarin—“a vast forest.” For the young athlete, being drafted by a team based in the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by the famed Douglas fir forests, felt almost destined.

“It feels like a beautiful and meaningful connection,” Yang said. “It’s like fate brought me here.”

Adding to the sense of destiny was the warm welcome he received from the team the day before, on his 20th birthday. Players and coaches surprised him at a local hotel with a birthday cake and card, which touched him deeply.

“I felt incredibly grateful and moved,” he shared.

Light-Hearted Moments Show Yang’s Personality

The press conference wasn’t all business. When asked about his interests outside basketball, Yang offered a glimpse into his personality—this time speaking in English.

“I sleep a lot,” he said with a grin. “I like playing PS5 and I love eating.”

The room erupted in laughter, making it clear that Yang was not just a talented player, but also someone who could quickly endear himself to teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

A Historic Draft Pick for the Trail Blazers

Yang’s selection at No. 16 overall was unexpected by most draft analysts. Leading up to the event, he was projected to be picked somewhere between 35th and 45th overall, making his first-round selection one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Unlike other projected lottery picks who were seated near the podium at Barclays Center, Yang watched the draft from the stands—only stepping forward once his name was called. The moment was surreal, both for Yang and for basketball fans witnessing a potential new chapter in Chinese basketball history.

The last Chinese player selected in the first round was Yi Jianlian in 2007. Nearly two decades later, Yang’s name will now be added to the books alongside legends like Yao Ming, signaling a new wave of international talent.

Coach Billups Impressed by Yang’s High IQ and Team-First Mentality

Despite the element of surprise surrounding the pick, the Trail Blazers coaching staff had done their homework. According to head coach Chauncey Billups, the organization had been tracking Yang’s development for two years.

“What I love most about him is how smart he plays. His basketball IQ is incredibly high,” said Billups. “He’s a true teammate, always looking to make the right play and help others shine.”

Billups also noted that Yang’s fundamentals are already polished.

“I usually have to teach a lot to young players. But this kid? He’s already been taught the right way.”

Path to Playing Time: A Challenge Awaits

While Yang’s arrival has been met with excitement, his path to regular minutes won’t be easy. The Trail Blazers currently have five centers on their roster, including fellow rookie Donovan Clingan.

Billups acknowledged the competition but left the door open for creative solutions.

“I don’t currently envision Clingan and Yang on the court together,” he said. “But who knows? These two are still very young. When Donovan saw Yang train during his workout, he was seriously impressed.”

Looking Ahead: Yang Hansen’s Potential in the NBA

With his unique background, high basketball IQ, and charismatic personality, Yang Hansen has already captured the attention of fans both in the U.S. and China. His story resonates as one of perseverance, destiny, and opportunity—making him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA rookie class.

The Trail Blazers, a franchise that hasn’t changed ownership since 1988 and is rumored to be approaching a new era, may have just found their next international gem.

Whether Yang will become a consistent contributor this season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey is only just beginning, and all eyes will be on how he evolves—both on and off the court—in the City of Roses.

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