Ready for the NBA: 17 Points and 11 Rebounds Against Wang Zhelin – The Future of Chinese Basketball Dominates in the Paint

The highly anticipated matchup between Qingdao Eagles and Shanghai Sharks ended with Qingdao securing a narrow 101-97 victory. However, the real headline of the game was the battle between two giants: the young rising star Yang Hansen, seen as the future of Chinese basketball, and the veteran Wang Zhelin, one of China’s most dominant big men in recent years. The duel was as competitive as everyone hoped, with Yang Hansen finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds (three offensive boards), and 2 assists, while Wang Zhelin notched 24 points and 8 rebounds in a near double-double effort. Despite the narrow scoreline, it was this head-to-head clash between two generations of Chinese centers that captivated fans the most.

A New Style for Yang Hansen: From Low-Post to Perimeter

There’s been a noticeable shift in Yang Hansen’s play style this season, one that has some analysts wondering if it’s part of a long-term development strategy. The young center, once known for his physicality and dominance in the low post, has now been seen more frequently as a "rim-runner," relying on fast-break opportunities and off-the-ball positioning to score. His impact, particularly on the offensive end, doesn’t feel as pronounced as it was during his rookie season, and some fans are speculating whether Qingdao’s coaching staff is intentionally protecting him or tweaking his style to prepare for the NBA.

A critical moment in the game revealed a glimpse of his evolving skill set: Yang Hansen knocked down a three-pointer, showcasing his expanded range. However, his two free throws were misses, underlining a part of his game that still needs work. If the goal is indeed to make him more NBA-ready, honing his outside shooting and his ability to finish at the rim without relying on traditional low-post moves could serve him well. The modern NBA doesn't emphasize post-up plays for big men in the same way it used to, and becoming more versatile, particularly in pick-and-rolls and spacing the floor, will make Yang a more attractive prospect for NBA teams.

Preparing for the NBA: The Long Game

There’s growing buzz around Yang Hansen’s NBA potential. Reports have suggested that he plans to declare for the NBA draft next year, and Qingdao’s coaching staff seems to be fine-tuning his game in preparation for that leap. While Yang’s lack of post touches may seem odd given his size and previous dominance inside, it's clear that developing his perimeter game and ability to finish in transition is paramount in today’s league.

Looking at the NBA's current landscape, where dominant big men like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid excel not just because of their post play, but also due to their passing, shooting, and versatility, it’s easy to see why Qingdao is focused on broadening Yang’s skill set. Teams aren’t looking for traditional big men who can only score down low. Instead, they're seeking centers who can defend the pick-and-roll, shoot from distance, and switch on defense. Yang's ability to knock down the occasional three-pointer, combined with his athleticism and shot-blocking prowess, will be key selling points when NBA scouts evaluate him.

Wang Zhelin’s Veteran Experience Shines Through

On the other side of the matchup was Wang Zhelin, the veteran center who has been one of China’s most consistent performers over the past decade. Wang’s experience was evident in this game, as he led Shanghai with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Known for his strong inside presence and ability to score in the paint, Wang once again showed why he has been a staple for both his CBA team and the Chinese national team.

While Wang’s game is more traditional compared to Yang Hansen’s evolving skill set, there’s no denying the effectiveness of his low-post moves. He may not be as flashy or versatile as the younger generation of big men, but his solid fundamentals and experience make him a tough matchup for any player in the CBA. Despite the loss, Wang’s performance proved that he remains one of the top centers in the league.

A Tale of Two Futures: Yang Hansen’s NBA Ambitions and Wang Zhelin’s CBA Legacy

The contrast between Yang Hansen and Wang Zhelin goes beyond just their age and playing styles—it also reflects their differing career paths. While Yang is gearing up for an NBA journey, Wang’s future is firmly rooted in the CBA, where he continues to add to his already impressive legacy. Wang has been the face of Chinese basketball for years, earning MVP honors and representing China on the international stage. However, at 29 years old, his chances of making it to the NBA seem slim, especially given the league’s current shift towards more versatile, perimeter-oriented big men.

For Yang Hansen, the story is just beginning. At 19 years old, he’s seen as the future of China’s national team and has already garnered interest from NBA scouts. His combination of size, mobility, and potential shooting range makes him an intriguing prospect, even if there’s still work to be done in terms of refining his game. The fact that he was able to hold his own against a veteran like Wang Zhelin is a promising sign of things to come.

The Bigger Picture: Qingdao’s Long-Term Plan for Yang Hansen

Qingdao's decision to adjust Yang Hansen’s role on the court may seem puzzling at first, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is part of a broader development strategy. The team is likely playing the long game, focusing on preparing Yang for the NBA rather than simply maximizing his current production in the CBA. By limiting his low-post touches and encouraging him to develop other aspects of his game, the coaching staff is helping Yang become a more well-rounded player who can thrive in the modern NBA.

The fact that Yang Hansen is seeing fewer isolation plays in the post doesn’t mean that he’s regressing—it’s a sign that his coaches are trying to make him more versatile. In the NBA, the days of big men dominating through sheer post strength are largely over. Instead, players like Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns have shown that a modern big man needs to be able to stretch the floor, defend the perimeter, and play multiple roles on both offense and defense. This is the direction that Qingdao is pushing Yang towards, and if he can master these skills, he’ll be well-equipped for the NBA.

The NBA Awaits

Yang Hansen’s journey to the NBA will be closely watched, not just by Chinese basketball fans, but by international scouts and analysts as well. His 17-point, 11-rebound performance against Wang Zhelin is just another step on his path to becoming China’s next big NBA export. As he continues to refine his shooting, mobility, and defensive versatility, Yang is positioning himself to be a valuable asset for any NBA team looking for a young, athletic center who can contribute on both ends of the floor.

While there’s still a long way to go before he’s ready to take on the likes of NBA superstars, the progress Yang Hansen has made so far is undeniable. If he can continue to develop his perimeter game and maintain his strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, there’s no reason why he can’t make an impact at the next level. The future is bright for China’s rising star, and the NBA appears to be the next stop on his journey.

The Rest of the League: Other Key Storylines

Beyond the duel between Yang Hansen and Wang Zhelin, there are other interesting narratives emerging in the CBA this season. One notable storyline involves the early struggles of the Guangdong Southern Tigers, a perennial powerhouse in the league. The team’s decision to let go of point guard Waters, who has since exploded for 32 points and 14 assists for Shanghai, is being scrutinized. Guangdong, meanwhile, is off to a slow start, having dropped their first two games of the season.

In contrast, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls are rolling, with back-to-back wins to open their season. Guard Jilin Jones has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring 46 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists in a recent 121-113 win over the Jilin Northeast Tigers. However, despite his individual brilliance, Jones has yet to lead his team to victory this season, leaving fans wondering if his incredible stats will ever translate into wins.

As the CBA season continues to unfold, all eyes will remain on Yang Hansen, Wang Zhelin, and the rest of the league’s stars. For Yang, every game brings him one step closer to his ultimate goal: the NBA. And if his performance against Wang is any indication, he’s well on his way.