Hansen Yang: The 7'2 Chinese Prospect Dividing NBA Scouts
Breaking Down the Hype and Hesitation Around Hansen Yang
Hansen Yang is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. While I firmly believe he is a top 40 prospect with the potential to impact the NBA, other scouts and NBA personnel question whether his game will translate to the league.
To provide a comprehensive perspective, I interviewed several scouts and former players to gather their thoughts on Yang’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential. This article is the first in a series where I’ll break down divisive prospects, sharing both my evaluations and the opinions of NBA insiders.
Through 10 games this season in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Yang has put up impressive numbers, averaging 16.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 60% from the field and 36% from three (on limited attempts). His 64% free-throw percentage leaves room for improvement, but his overall production has turned heads.
As a rookie in the CBA last year, he averaged 15 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game—solid numbers for one of the youngest players in the league. His strong performances extends to international play as well, including a standout performance at the 2023 U19 World Cup, where he averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks per game. In one matchup, Yang overwhelmed Alex Sarr—now an NBA rookie lauded for his defense—with his combination of size, strength, and skill.
Yang’s offensive versatility has drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokić and Alperen Şengün. He boasts a deep repertoire of post moves, including up-and-unders, baby hooks, and shoulder fakes, coupled with exceptional touch around the rim.
Yang’s court vision and passing instincts might be his greatest strength, giving him the potential to become a reliable offensive hub.
Defensively, he has proven to be a dominant rim protector, leading both the U19 World Cup and the CBA in blocks. Yet, his ability to defend on the perimeter and adapt to the NBA’s pace raises concerns.
One consistent sentiment across the board, however, is that Yang has talent. Concerns stem from the level of competition in the CBA, and the mixed track record of Chinese players adjusting to the NBA outside of Yao Ming.
Despite the debate, Yang’s size, skill set, and production make him a fascinating player to evaluate.
Differing Opinions on Yang’s NBA Potential
Opinions on Yang’s potential are widely varied. A former NBA player currently playing in China, whose team has faced Yang, had high praise for his readiness to make the leap to the NBA:
I wish he would leave (China) now. He’s ready (for the NBA). But I think they want to keep him here in China. I just think China has taken him as far as he can go as a player. He’s skilled, he’s big, and he moves better than people think. But I believe his game can reach another level once he gets to the States.