Yang Hansen’s journey from modest beginnings demonstrates how parents’ support played a crucial role in shaping his basketball career.
He surprised basketball analysts when the Portland Trail Blazers selected him 16th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 7-foot-2 center from Shandong, China, was expected to go in the second round.
The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Yang first before trading him to Portland.
Yang Hansen Parents
Yang Hansen was born on June 26, 2005, in Shandong, China. His father is Yang Lin, who played basketball as a hobby before having kids. Yang Lin introduced his son to the sport and became his first coach.
However, the rising athlete was not initially interested in basketball, but his father took him outside to play regularly anyway. These practice sessions slowly helped him develop a love for the game.
Meanwhile, his mother keeps her name private. She works in the pharmaceutical business selling medicines to customers. Her steady job provides good income for the family.
Moreover, Yang’s parents, who never played sports professionally, created a home environment that allowed their son to develop his basketball skills.
His father instilled in him a passion for basketball, and his mother provided stability and support at home. This mix of sports enthusiasm and family support helped him succeed on the basketball court.
Early Basketball Career
Yang picked up basketball in the third grade and joined a local club in Zibo, China. He moved to the Zibo Sports School, where Coach Wang Ying trained him.
Wang knew Yang Lin well and started as a point guard but grew taller fast. His coach switched his training to focus on playing near the basket instead.
Yang remained relatively unknown during his early basketball years, but his abilities began to draw notice in 2020. Scouts from the Qingdao men’s youth team observed him during an interschool competition and recruited him for their academy program.
Yang signed with them in 2021 and had an outstanding season. He put up 19.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in the National Under-17 League.
Similarly, he also averaged 1.3 blocks while leading Qingdao to the championship. The league awarded him the Best Defensive Player award.
Yang earned a spot on Qingdao’s first team in 2022. His professional CBA career began in 2023 with impressive results. He won the CBA Rookie of the Year in his first season.
Moreover, he made the All-Star team as a starter for two straight years. His recent season numbers were 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. These stats have established him as one of China’s most promising young talents.
NBA Draft: A Surprise First-Round Pick
Yang Hansen celebrated his 20th birthday one day after getting drafted into the NBA. The timing made this selection an incredible birthday present.
Most basketball experts predicted Yang would be chosen in the second round of the draft, but the Portland Trail Blazers surprised everyone by picking him 16th overall. Portland made this choice after completing a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.
American basketball fans are not familiar with Yang yet. Chinese basketball followers recognize him as a star player already.
Yang began playing for China’s national team at the age of 18. He has been a regular player for the national team since then.
The NBA Draft Combine provided him with an opportunity to showcase his skills to scouts. His measurements impressed many people there. He has a 7’3″ wingspan and can reach 9’3″ while standing. These physical traits suggest he could become a strong defensive player in the NBA.
Yang will soon wear a Portland Trail Blazers uniform, and fans believe he represents the future of basketball in China.
