Chinese Basketball Star Yang Hansen Climbs NBA Draft Rankings

Brooklyn, New York – Chinese basketball prospect Yang Hansen has surged up the NBA Draft rankings ahead of the annual event set for Wednesday and Thursday at the Barclays Center.

Yang’s tryouts with multiple NBA teams have contributed to his rising stock. As of Sunday, his mock draft position climbed into the high 30s on various platforms, with NBADraft.net forecasting him as the 34th pick, while ESPN listed him at 35th, a notable jump from 41st just days earlier.

At 19 years old, Yang stands tall at 7-foot-1 and is expected to be selected early in the second round. The Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers own picks 34 and 35, respectively, but if they pass on him, the Brooklyn Nets might grab him with the 36th pick. The Nets, led by owner Joe Tsai of the Alibaba Group, have five picks in this draft.

Yang averaged impressive stats during the 2024-25 season with the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association, recording 16.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. He has already made his mark by being named CBA Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year at just 18.

Despite potential challenges in adapting to NBA defensive schemes, Yang is known for his strong passing ability and scoring proficiency. Analysts suggest he could bring valuable versatility if he finds a way to overcome difficulties in defense.

Yang’s future remains uncertain as he prepares for the draft, but many see him as an intriguing second-round prospect who could thrive with the right team.