Yang Hansheng Stuns NBA Draft as 16th Overall Pick in First Round

20-year-old Chinese center Yang Hansheng was selected 16th overall in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, surprising many experts and fans.

He becomes the third Chinese player to be selected in the first round, following Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.

Standing 2.16 meters tall, Yang played for the Qingdao Eagles in the CBA and is known for his rim protection and playmaking ability.

In the 2024–25 season, he was named CBA Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

The Trail Blazers offered him a guaranteed 2+1+1 year contract worth over 21 million US dollars.

He will begin his NBA journey in the Summer League and is drawing significant attention.