Yang Hansen Projected 77th in the NBA Draft? This Is the Future of Chinese Basketball

Yang Hansen, a name rapidly gaining recognition, has been the focus of much discussion as a potential NBA prospect. Though recent projections from ESPN place him at 77th in the 2025 NBA Draft, many within the basketball world see this ranking as a misjudgment of his true potential. He is widely regarded as the future cornerstone of Chinese basketball, carrying the hopes of a nation eager for its next NBA star. This buzz around Yang comes at a critical moment, as China hasn’t had significant representation in the NBA since the days of Yao Ming and the brief tenure of Zhou Qi.

Yang, a 7-foot-1 center from Qingdao, has drawn attention for his impressive physical attributes, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess. His future in the NBA seems almost certain, despite some skepticism, and the key question is not if he will be drafted, but rather how high he will go. Given the right conditions and development, Yang could be the next Chinese player to make a significant impact in the league. But before he gets there, let’s take a look at his journey so far, and why his potential is so highly regarded by many.

Dominating at Home: Yang’s CBA Performance

Yang Hansen had a breakout rookie season in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he showcased his immense potential as a dominant center. In his debut season with the Qingdao Eagles, Yang averaged 15 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. His impressive play earned him a host of honors, including All-Star recognition, a spot on the CBA All-First Team, and the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, all in his first season. He also took home the Rookie of the Year title, cementing his status as one of the top young players in the league.

These accomplishments were no small feat, especially considering the competitive nature of the CBA and the presence of several high-profile international players. Qingdao has since made it clear that Yang is their franchise player, opting to build their roster around him. Even with the league reinstating the foreign player policy (four quarters, seven foreign player appearances), Qingdao’s trust in Yang is unwavering. They’ve brought in players who complement Yang’s skill set rather than compete with him, such as high-scoring guard Darius Powell and forward Trey Weatherspoon.

But while Yang has proven himself as a force in the CBA, the gap between Chinese basketball and the NBA is substantial, and making the leap to the world’s most competitive league requires more than just domestic dominance. For Yang, continuing to develop his game against top-tier international competition will be essential.

Competing Internationally: The Summer League and G League Stints

One of Yang’s major milestones this past offseason was his participation in the NBA Summer League and G League. He played several games, including a matchup against the Spanish powerhouse team Joventut Badalona, where he held his own against high-level competition. Yang’s participation in the NBA Academy training camp in Australia further enhanced his skillset, as he was exposed to elite training methods and coaching.

During the Summer League, Yang also had the opportunity to play in front of NBA scouts, including representatives from the New Orleans Pelicans. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many scouts believing Yang is a lock to be selected in the NBA Draft—perhaps even higher than projected. Some scouts even see first-round potential if he continues to progress. However, the general consensus seems to be that Yang is likely to be a late second-round pick, though this could change depending on his performance in the coming season.

While ESPN’s latest Top 100 for the 2025 Draft has Yang ranked 77th, many insiders in the basketball world consider this ranking to be a conservative estimate. Yang’s potential is evident, and with another strong season in the CBA, his stock could rise considerably.

What Makes Yang Hansen Special?

So, what exactly makes Yang such an intriguing prospect? For starters, his size and physicality are exceptional. At 7’1” with a wingspan well over 7 feet, Yang has the natural tools that NBA teams covet in a modern center. His shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts have drawn comparisons to some of the NBA’s top rim protectors. Averaging over 2 blocks per game in his rookie CBA season, Yang has already shown that he can anchor a defense and serve as a formidable presence in the paint.

But Yang is not just a traditional big man. His passing ability sets him apart from many other centers his age. Averaging nearly 4 assists per game in the CBA, Yang’s vision and decision-making make him a dynamic playmaker from the post. This skill was honed during his time in Australia at the NBA Academy, where he focused on becoming a more well-rounded player.

Another aspect of Yang’s game that excites scouts is his mobility. Despite his size, Yang moves fluidly on the court and can keep up with faster-paced offensive schemes. His ability to defend the pick-and-roll, switch onto smaller players, and cover ground quickly makes him a valuable asset in today’s NBA, where versatility is key.

Offensively, Yang has a reliable post game and can finish with both hands around the rim. His shooting range is improving, and while he is not yet a consistent threat from beyond the arc, his mid-range shot is developing, and he could eventually stretch the floor. If Yang can continue to work on his outside shooting, he has the potential to be a true two-way player, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

The Path to the NBA: What’s Next for Yang?

While the NBA Draft is still some time away, Yang Hansen’s focus will be on continuing to refine his game during the upcoming CBA season. Qingdao has set lofty expectations for their young star, and it’s clear that the team is banking on his development. Despite facing stiff competition from powerhouse teams like the defending champion Liaoning Flying Leopards and a retooled Beijing Ducks squad that now features Zhou Qi and Chen Yingjun, Yang is expected to lead Qingdao to a strong finish.

However, winning a CBA title before heading to the NBA may be a long shot for Yang. Qingdao, despite being competitive, will likely struggle against the top teams in the league. The Ducks, for example, have made significant improvements to their roster and are now considered one of the favorites alongside Liaoning. Even if Yang leads Qingdao to the playoffs, a championship run might be unrealistic unless he seeks a mid-season trade to a stronger contender, such as the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

Regardless of whether he wins a CBA title, Yang’s ultimate goal is to make the jump to the NBA. Scouts, coaches, and media personalities alike have praised Yang’s work ethic and dedication, noting that his willingness to compete against top-level talent in the offseason will only accelerate his development. His busy summer—facing off against Australia’s national team, playing in the NBA Summer League, and training with top prospects—was all about gaining experience and preparing for the next level.

As the CBA season unfolds, Yang’s performances will be closely watched, not just by fans in China but by NBA scouts and front offices as well. If he can build on his rookie season and continue to showcase his all-around game, his draft stock could rise dramatically by the time the 2025 NBA Draft rolls around.

A Bright Future for Chinese Basketball

Yang Hansen represents a new hope for Chinese basketball. Since the days of Yao Ming, China has longed for another NBA star to carry the torch, and Yang could be that player. While it’s important not to place too much pressure on a young athlete, Yang has all the tools to succeed at the next level.

His rise comes at a time when Chinese basketball is looking to re-establish its presence on the global stage. Zhou Qi’s struggles in the NBA have left a void, but Yang has the potential to not only make it to the NBA but to stick around and make an impact. If he continues to develop at his current pace, there’s no reason why Yang Hansen couldn’t be the next Chinese player to become a regular in an NBA rotation.

For now, all eyes are on his journey, and whether he’s selected in the second round or rises into the first, one thing is clear: Yang Hansen is the future of Chinese basketball.