Chinese Phenom Yang Hansen’s Unofficial NBA Debut Sparks Controversy Across the 1.4 Billion Strong Continent
Intriguing Debut: Yang Hansen’s First NBA Preseason Stint
Portland Trail Blazers Face Off Against Golden State Warriors
Yang Hansen, a rising star often referred to as “Chinese Jokichi,” experienced a challenging start in his unofficial NBA debut with the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite the high hopes surrounding his potential, the Trail Blazers fell to the Golden State Warriors, 123-129, in a gripping NBA preseason game held at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, on October 9.
Yang Hansen’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Rookie Draft, Yang Hansen played for 21 minutes and 13 seconds. Despite his efforts, he managed only four points, four rebounds, one assist, four turnovers, and committed six personal fouls. His performance attracted mixed reactions from fans across the globe.
Mixed Reactions from Basketball Fans
American fans were quick to express skepticism about Yang’s potential, labeling his performance as slow and monotonous. Some even speculated that he might not last in the NBA for more than three years. However, the spirit in China was significantly different.
Yang Hansen: A Fresh Promise for Chinese Basketball
Although Yang Hansen admitted he may not possess the dominant talent of legends like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, he remains optimistic about his journey in the NBA. Chinese media outlet Sohu Dotcom highlighted his positive attitude, contrasting it with the trajectory of Zhou Qi, another Chinese player with similar aspirations.
Challenges and Growth Prospects
While Yang Hansen struggled with a limited offensive repertoire and the seasoned skills of veteran players, his resilience and teamwork were evident. Unlike Zhou Qi, who faced criticisms over competitiveness, Yang exhibits qualities such as determination, dedication, and respect for the game, making him a promising talent for the future.
Unveiling Talent through Versatility
| Strength | Challenge |
|---|---|
| Passing ability | Slow pass speed |
| Teamwork and attitude | Limited offensive patterns |
Yang’s passing proficiency was previously demonstrated during the Summer League. However, in his recent game, his focus on pick-and-rolls and rebounding overshadowed these strengths. His slow pass speed and insufficient defense remain areas for improvement.
A Bright Future for Chinese Basketball
Sohu Dotcom emphasized that while Yang Hansen has much to work on—including skill refinement and gaining muscle mass—his growth potential is undeniable. His hard work and dedication are seen as the cornerstones that could elevate him beyond his current capabilities.
As the second-highest-ranking prospect from China after Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, Yang has the support of the Portland Trail Blazers, who remain optimistic about his future in the league. Although his debut stats might seem humble, they mark the beginning of a promising journey for both Yang and Chinese basketball.
In conclusion, Yang Hansen’s debut highlights the challenges faced by international players adapting to the NBA. However, with persistence and the right mindset, he represents a new wave of talent ready to make its mark on the global stage.
