Insane! Hansheng Yang for NBA No. 1 Pick! Qingdao Team Finally Lets Him Go...

The basketball world was taken by storm with the recent news about Hansheng Yang's performance in the NBA Summer League. Yang played three games, showcasing a mix of promising talent and room for improvement. In his first game against the Kings, Yang came off the bench for 16 minutes, shooting 3-for-3 from the field, tallying 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 turnovers. His second game against the Hornets saw him starting for 21 minutes, scoring 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 1 assist, but committing 7 turnovers. The third game against the Spurs, also as a starter, had him playing 26 minutes, but he struggled with a 0-for-5 shooting performance, managing only 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 turnovers.

Domestic fans had mixed reactions to Yang's Summer League stint, with many doubting his readiness for the NBA. However, foreign keyboard warriors unanimously praised Yang, often in hyperbolic terms. Some claimed Yang was superior to Zhou Zhihao, this year's 9th overall pick by the Grizzlies, while others went as far as calling him the Chinese version of Marc Gasol. Hoop Herald, an American sports media outlet, compiled Yang's Summer League highlights into a video, captioning it, "Looks like Embiid." The video amassed over 2 million views and more than 13,000 likes, indicating significant interest.

One of the most surprising endorsements came from meme legend Nick Young, who boldly predicted that Yang could be the number one pick in next year's NBA draft. While such claims might be overly enthusiastic, it's essential to remain realistic about Yang's potential. A more measured perspective came from a Pelicans scout, who stated that Yang would likely be drafted and has the potential to be a first-round pick. Scouts from other teams have also inquired about Yang, reflecting genuine interest from NBA circles.

The skepticism from Chinese fans is less critical than the validation Yang is receiving from international and NBA-related sources. This feedback suggests that Yang's Summer League journey was successful, laying a solid foundation for next year's draft. Crucially, the Qingdao team appears to be preparing to send Yang abroad. According to head coach Liu Weiwei, the team has arranged for Yang to train with a specialized coach in Australia and participate in an NBA Elite Training Camp there for nearly a month.

Some may question why Yang isn't staying in the US for training. The rationale is that current American training programs for centers often focus too narrowly on either dunking or shooting threes. For Yang to develop into a cornerstone player, akin to Nikola Jokić, he needs a well-rounded skill set. The Australian NBA Elite Training Camp has a track record of nurturing Chinese players who then make successful transitions abroad, like Yongxi Cui, now with the Portland Trail Blazers. The camp offers advanced training systems and opportunities to compete against highly talented peers from around the world.

Another significant benefit of training in Australia is the language environment, which can significantly improve Yang's English proficiency. Currently, his biggest hurdle to the NBA is his language skills. Unlike Yongxi Cui, who can communicate effortlessly, Yang still struggles with English. Although the Qingdao team has provided a translator to help him learn, immersion in an English-speaking environment will expedite his progress more effectively.

Considering the feedback and arrangements made by Qingdao, there's a solid chance that Yang will be selected in next year's NBA draft. It has been eight years since Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin were called up, and it’s high time for another Chinese player to make it to the NBA. Yang represents a new beginning for Chinese basketball, which urgently needs a revival to reclaim its rightful place. The Chinese national team cannot afford to take a slow and steady approach; the need for immediate impact players like Yang is critical.

In summary, Hansheng Yang's journey through the NBA Summer League has been a rollercoaster, drawing a stark contrast between domestic skepticism and international acclaim. While there are undoubtedly areas for improvement, Yang has shown enough potential to garner significant interest from NBA scouts and teams. With specialized training in Australia and the possibility of competing in the NBA Elite Training Camp, Yang is on the right path to realizing his NBA dream. The Qingdao team’s willingness to support his overseas development marks a pivotal moment, not just for Yang, but for the future of Chinese basketball. As we look forward to next year's NBA draft, there is a renewed sense of hope that Yang can break the long wait and emerge as a beacon for the next generation of Chinese basketball players.