Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen credits his father’s tough advice for setting him on the path to the NBA.
The 20-year-old, who was drafted 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and later traded to Portland, reflected on a childhood moment that nearly ended his sports career before it even began.
“I wasn’t that good at school, and I was a little bit of a fat boy,” Hansen told The Washington Post. “My father told me to try some sports, figure out what you want to do and lose some weight. My father told me: ‘Don’t become fat.’”
The 7-foot-1 center, grew up playing basketball in China before starring for the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association.
He was a CBA All-Star in 2024 and 2025 and won Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024.
The journey hasn’t been without pressure. Hansen acknowledged the weight of becoming only the ninth Chinese player in NBA history.
“It’s a lot of pressure, for sure,” Hansen said. “I just want to show the people in China I’m doing good. Before I headed to the States, Yao called me and shared some of his experiences. He told me to enjoy your food, enjoy your drinks, enjoy your sleep and enjoy everything.
“Yao is the icon for Chinese basketball. He’s special. I’m just a rookie. I can feel a lot of expectations and anticipation on me. Yao is number one in paradise. Compared to him, I’m cold ash in a pot.”
Now, as he prepares for his NBA debut under coach Chauncey Billups, Hansen is determined to make an impact.
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