Hansen Yang, the towering 7’2” center from Qingdao, China, is turning heads as he continues his meteoric rise up NBA draft boards ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Representing Qingdao in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Yang’s blend of size and skill has made him one of the most talked-about international prospects this year.
Hansen Yang’s Unique Talent Drawing NBA Attention
Hansen Yang’s journey from CBA standout to NBA draft riser has been marked by dominant performances and an impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine. At just 19, Yang measured over 7’2” in shoes, with a 9’3” standing reach and 252-pound frame, making him one of the largest players in this draft class. His production in China—16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game—underscores his ability to impact games on both ends.
7-foot-2 big man Hansen Yang is climbing up draft boards following last week’s NBA Draft Combine
Yang is 19 years old and averaged 16.2 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Qingdao Eagles this past season. pic.twitter.com/R0yPBoD6o3
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) May 21, 2025
At the combine, Yang showcased not just his imposing physical presence but also his high basketball IQ and passing vision. In scrimmages, he made several impressive plays, including a 3-pointer, flashy footwork from the post, and some highlight passes that showcased his passing IQ and quick decision-making.
NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock noted, “His presence is imposing, and I’m impressed with his apparent commitment to physical development. He’s gotten himself in terrific shape”.
Despite questions about his mobility and perimeter defense, Yang’s feel for the game and ability to facilitate from the post have set him apart. His passing, rare for a player of his size, has drawn comparisons to NBA stars, and his willingness to compete against top talent has only fueled his draft momentum.
Rising Stock, Realistic Challenges
Yang’s draft stock has surged from late second-round projections into conversations about an early second-round or even late first-round selection.
Scouts and executives have praised his “unique blend of size, bulk, length, skill and feel for the game,” with ESPN highlighting his “high-level reads, finding teammates cutting with intelligent bounce passes or lobs”.
However, the transition to the NBA won’t be without challenges. Yang’s limited lateral quickness and inconsistent rebounding at the combine have raised concerns about his ability to defend in space and keep up with faster, more athletic NBA bigs.
As one combine report noted, He needs to address his ability to defend in space, especially since he recorded only three defensive rebounds in 37 minutes of play.
Yang himself remains humble and focused on growth, stating in Mandarin, “Yao Ming is my predecessor. I have always respected him. I want to learn from him”. This mindset, coupled with his willingness to adapt and improve, bodes well for his long-term development.
Hansen Yang’s transformation from CBA superstar to high NBA draft pick is one of the top stories this season. People have noticed Yang because of his uncommon mix of size, skill and passing ability.
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Even though we still question how fast and strong he can be, his combine numbers and how serious he is about the game imply he may play an important role in the NBA. As we near the draft, everyone will focus on the 7’2” player from Qingdao to discover how far he will go.
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