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New York Post
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Post
New video shows just how unexpected Yang Hansen NBA draft pick was
Many didn't have Qingdado center Yang Hansen being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Even the 7-foot-1 center appeared taken aback when his name was called as the No. 16 pick by the Grizzlies — before being traded to the Trail Blazers — at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night. Hansen, who was projected to go in the middle of the second round, was sitting in the stands and appeared to have a delayed reaction when his moment came, as seen in a video on social media. He quickly stood up and raised his arm before he shuffled with his white suit jacket, attempting to button it before greeting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the stage. 5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen reacts to being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025. X/NickVanExit Hansen shared a moment with Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul — whose agency reps the prospect and other NBA stars such as LeBron James and Draymond Green — while on his way to the stage. The pair was all smiles as they shared a handshake and a hug. 5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen reacts to being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025. X/NickVanExit Memphis traded its 16th overall pick to Portland in exchange for the No. 11 overall pick (Cedric Coward), and the Blazers also received a 2028 first-round selection and two future second-round picks. Hansen led the Chinese Basketball Association in blocks and ranked in the top 10 in field goal percentage during the 2024-25 season. 5 Qingdado center Yang Hansen shares a moment with Klutch Sports founder and agent Rich Paul after being taken in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, 2025. X/ESPN He won the CBA rookie of the year in 2024, and was named All-CBA Domestic First Team and made the CBA All-Star team in both 2024 and 2025. Hansen earned CBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote on X, 'A Nuggets source just texted me: 'Chinese Jokic,' about the Blazers' surprise selection,' referring to three-time NBA MVP and Denver center Nikola Jokic. 5 Yang Hansen looks on after being drafted sixteenth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2025 NBA Draft – Round One on June 25, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NBAE via Getty Images 5 Yang Hansen poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 16th by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. AP The Blazers were intentional about their interest in Hansen. Portland became 'intrigued' by Hansen's game in 2023, specifically while he played for China during the FIBA U19 World Cup, according to ESPN, which reported the Blazers plan to begin Hansen's development 'immediately' by bringing him to the United States. Follow The Post's coverage of the 2025 NBA Draft The pick caught many pundits by surprise, with one NBA executive telling Clutch Points: 'That is the wildest pick I've ever seen. Those jobs up there are on the line.'
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Yang Hansen? Here's what you need to know about Portland Trail Blazers' shocking first-round pick
Yang Hansen. Image via: AP The Portland Trail Blazers delivered one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Chinese center Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick. In a move that stunned analysts and fans alike, Portland made a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire the pick, passing on higher-ranked prospects. Hansen, who had been projected as a second-round selection, now becomes the first Chinese-born player to be drafted in the first round since Yi Jianlian in 2007. Chinese basketball prospect Yang Hansen joined the Portland Trail Blazers Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-2 center from the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), heard his name called early. Yet the Trail Blazers saw something others didn't, trading down from the 11th overall pick to secure him at No. 16. The Grizzlies used Portland's original pick to select Washington State forward Cedric Coward, while the Blazers took a major swing by grabbing Hansen. Hansen's resume in China is already loaded. He was named CBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and he earned All-Star honors in both of his seasons with Qingdao. He also captured the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Statistically, Hansen averaged 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during his two seasons in the CBA. His final year was even more productive, as he put up 16.2 points, 10 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks over 53 games, according to RealGM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Acclaimed photographer Cristina Mittermeier's dynamic pictures inspire change Scmp Read Now Undo Despite his accolades, Hansen's jump to the NBA will come with significant adjustments. While he thrived in China, concerns remain about how he'll handle the speed, physicality, and skill of NBA-level competition. His perimeter shot is still a work in progress, but there have been flashes of range that give scouts hope he could develop into a stretch big. Still, Hansen's combination of size, vision, and touch has drawn lofty comparisons. According to Jake Fischer, citing a source from the Denver Nuggets, Portland might be adding 'the Chinese [Nikola] Jokić.' That's a massive label. Also Read: NBA Draft 2025: San Antonio Spurs pick No. 2 overall Dylan Harper to form dynamic duo with Victor Wembanyama Born in 2005, Hansen celebrated his 20th birthday the day after the draft. His surprise rise marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Chinese-born player drafted in the first round since Yi Jianlian went sixth overall in 2007. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
