Meet Yang Hansen: The Portland Trail Blazers’ newest draft pick

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Yang Hansen may be the first Chinese basketball player drafted in the first round in 18 years, but off the court, he’s just like us.

“I sleep, all the time sleep,” said Hansen with a big laugh. “I like playing PS5, and I like to eat.”

Here’s to hoping the 7’1” center got to eat some birthday cake on his 20^th birthday on Thursday.

He’s certainly had a jam-packed few days, including his surprise selection at #16 by the Blazers, which his translator said shocked even Yang.

“On draft day, he thought he might get after 20s, so he said, ‘I just be chill. Like, sitting there silently.’ Then Adam called his name, and he said, ‘Huh? They’re calling my name.’” said Hansen.

Hansen is working on his English as he attempted to answer multiple questions in the language on Friday but understandably is not fully there.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups isn’t too concerned about the language barrier.

“He’s really determined to understand the language, be able to speak the language. Obviously, you can see him trying and doing a really good job already trying to answer the questions,” said Billups. “Basketball language is kind of universal. It will probably sound really fast to him as it’s coming at him, but we’ll be spending a lot of time on it.”

Another thing Billups isn’t concerned about is Hansen’s play on the court, though he warns as one of five centers currently on this Blazers squad, playing time may be scarce.

“I would feel very comfortable putting him in a game right now. He’s that good. To me, this is not a project type of situation. This guy is ready to go, but he’s in a crowded room,” said Billups, adding that he does not envision Hansen and last year’s draft pick, 7’2” Donovan Clingan, being able to play at the same time together. “This will be an incredible educational year for him, and when he does get a chance to play, I think everybody will be really impressed.”