Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen focused and ready for 2025 NBA Summer League debut

Yang Hansen, a rookie center for the Portland Trail Blazers, was thrilled to play in his first Summer League game with his new team on Friday at 8 p.m. against the Golden State Warriors.

Speaking to the media after Thursday’s practice in Las Vegas, Yang stated that he intended to play his game and not let the attention he has gotten to alter his approach.

Yang told reporters, “Just concentrate on my own game and show what I have.”

In the first round of last month’s NBA draft, Yang was selected 16th and joined the Blazers. Considering how few Chinese athletes have participated in the NBA, he has attracted a lot of interest.

According to the 7-foot-1 center, if he succeeds, he wants to inspire young people in China to strive hard so they can join the NBA.

You must continue to work hard every day even though you don’t always succeed. Through Chris Liu, his translator, Yang remarked. I want I could serve as a role model for all Asians. Try it, perhaps. Try it out, please.

Yang claimed that during his two seasons as a player in the Chinese Basketball Association, he learned a lot about dealing with various tactics.

However, he attested that the NBA is undoubtedly more physical.

According to Yang, everyone attempts to showcase their skills on the court.

Yang competed against NBA players with Team China in the 2024 California Summer League. But since he is a year older and will be playing with NBA players and aspirants, this will be a different experience.

Yang said, laughing, that he was relieved of the burden of carrying his own equipment and clothing for the first time.

Yang added that the group has quickly established a strong rapport.

“It’s quite simple,” he remarked. Being able to get along with them makes me pleased.

The strategy, according to Blazers summer league coach Ronnie Burrell, is to put Yang in circumstances where he can thrive and put him in awkward scenarios that he isn’t accustomed to, including slamming into glass, rim protecting, and playing quickly.

Burrell informed reporters, “He’s thrown himself into it and he’s not afraid.” I’m sure he’s thrilled. A guy’s first summer league activity may cause some nervousness, I’m sure. However, I believe he is ready. We can’t wait to watch him do what he does.

In Mandarin, Yang was asked to list his all-time NBA starting five at one point during the interview.

“Denver center Nikola Jokic, Dallas forward Anthony Davis, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic of the Lakers, and Dallas Kyrie Irving,” he replied.

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Aaron J. Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)

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