Yang Hansen wasn’t supposed to become a basketball player. The Portland Trail Blazers’ 7’1″ rookie was content being a couch potato until his father delivered some brutally honest advice. What happened next turned a self-described “fat boy” into the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and Summer League’s most talked-about rookie.
What Made Yang Hansen’s Father Push Him Toward Basketball?
In a lighthearted backstory that’s gone viral, Hansen reveals his basketball journey started with his father’s blunt intervention. The elder Hansen saw his son struggling academically and physically, then delivered the wake-up call that changed everything.
He said, “I wasn’t that good at school, and I was a little bit of a fat boy. 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.'”
Wonderful read on Chinese rookie Yang Hansen from @BenGolliver. It’s been a minute since Yao Ming became the most famous athlete/celebrity in China. Yang has the personality, and presumably the game, to be its next superstar. https://t.co/ii0dsEbb7H
— Gene Wang (@gene_wang) July 20, 2025
Per Golliver’s interview, Hansen’s father is a man who preaches old-school values. He motivated his son to learn something to help his resume stand out for his future. Hansen had tried multiple sports, including table tennis, taekwondo, and swimming, before finally getting comfortable with the hardwood floor.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Hansen started learning the game at three years old, watching his father’s local team. By eight, he reluctantly joined the middle school team to slim down. What started as his father’s concern for him turned into his passion. He started grinding at the gym and never looked back.
How Has Hansen Performed in His Trail Blazers Debut?
Fast forward to today, and Hansen has earned the nickname “Baby Jokic” from fans and media. His summer league performance has backed up the hype that surrounded his draft selection.
The Yang Hansen show premiered in Las Vegas tonight!
🏀 10 PTS
🏀 4 REB
🏀 5 AST
🏀 3 BLKA walking highlight reel in his Trail Blazers summer debut. pic.twitter.com/HQQVqrJVbc
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2025
Hansen has played four games for Portland, posting a 3-1 record in those contests. He’s averaged 10.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 45.7% from the field.
While four games aren’t enough to gauge a player’s future stardom, Hansen’s combination of skills, athleticism, court vision, and physical abilities makes him stand out. His size alone draws comparisons to elite big men, but it’s his passing ability and basketball IQ that have scouts most excited.
Hansen has already made history as the third Chinese player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft. The first two included Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian. While Ming went on to become a Hall of Famer, Jianlian had a much shorter stint in the league.
For Portland, Hansen brings not just size but a unique combination of skills and charisma. His simple upbringing, honesty, and natural talent make him a compelling watch during the upcoming 2024-25 season.
