Yang Hansen Rises! Summer League Performance Solidifies His Role as China's Leading Basketball Star

The anticipation for China's performance in this year's NBA Summer League was met with a mix of hope and trepidation. Expectations were low after a 51-point blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings in their opening game. However, the team's resilience in their subsequent game against the Charlotte Hornets brought a glimmer of optimism. Despite a rocky start, falling behind 9-26 in the first quarter, China managed to outscore the Hornets by one point in the second quarter. Although they ultimately lost by 31 points, this performance demonstrated the potential and fighting spirit of the Chinese squad.

A Glimmer of Hope Against the Hornets

In 2019, the Chinese national team managed their only Summer League win against the Hornets, a game memorable for Guo Ailun's crossover and assist to Zhao Jiwei for a three-pointer. Fast forward to the present, and history seemed to echo itself. The Chinese team showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly in the third quarter, where they played nearly even with the Hornets, losing by only two points. The fourth quarter saw the Hornets regain their dominance, outscoring China 29-16, and securing a 93-62 victory.

Despite the loss, the performance against the Hornets was notable for a number of reasons. Coach Guo Shiqiang utilized a 17-player rotation, clearly focusing on player development rather than securing a win. The standout performer for China was Yang Hansen, who became the only player on the team to score in double digits, showcasing his immense potential.

Yang Hansen's Breakout Performance

Starting the game, Yang Hansen played 21 minutes, scoring 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, grabbing four rebounds, dishing out one assist, and recording two blocks. His seven turnovers and six personal fouls highlighted areas for improvement, but they did not overshadow his impressive display of offensive and defensive skills.

Yang's ability to score in the low post was particularly noteworthy. He demonstrated advanced footwork and a variety of post moves, which forced the Hornets to double-team him—a testament to his offensive prowess. One play, in particular, caught the audience's attention: a perfectly executed spin move followed by a one-handed slam dunk, drawing applause from the crowd.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Yang's performance against the Hornets wasn't without its flaws. His seven turnovers and six fouls indicate that he still needs to adapt to the pace and physicality of the NBA. However, these are issues that can be rectified with experience and coaching. Yang is known for setting high standards for himself, and his post-game self-criticism—"I played like shit"—reflects his determination to improve.

Despite playing only five more minutes than in the first game against the Kings, Yang was given ample opportunities to showcase his skills. His performance undoubtedly caught the eyes of NBA scouts who had come specifically to evaluate him, and many likely left with a positive impression.

Cui Yongxi's Steady Progress

Meanwhile, another Chinese player making waves in the Summer League is Cui Yongxi. His latest performances have been marked by hustle plays, like diving for loose balls and hitting corner threes, showcasing his defensive tenacity and shooting accuracy. Currently on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, Cui aims to secure a two-way contract before the regular season starts. With only one two-way spot left on the Blazers' roster, the competition is fierce.

Upcoming Match Against the Blazers

In an exciting development, the NBA has arranged for the Chinese national team to play a scrimmage against the Trail Blazers on July 12th. This game will provide another valuable learning experience for the Chinese team and offer fans the chance to see "Cui Yongxi vs. the National Team." It also promises high viewership, benefiting the league and all involved.

Building on Success

Yang Hansen's rise is a beacon of hope for the Chinese national team. His standout Summer League performance has solidified his role as the team's primary offensive and defensive anchor. His journey from a promising young player to the core of China's national basketball team is a story of perseverance and hard work.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on refining Yang's skills, particularly in adapting to NBA-level competition. The coaching staff's decision to prioritize player development over immediate results is a wise strategy, ensuring that talents like Yang can reach their full potential.

Conclusion

Yang Hansen's performance in the Summer League marks a significant step forward for both him and the Chinese national basketball team. His emergence as the team's first offensive option and defensive cornerstone bodes well for China's future in international basketball. With continued development and exposure to high-level competition, Yang Hansen is poised to become a key player not just for his national team, but potentially in the NBA as well.