Yao Ming talks about Yang Hansen s election: He deserves the best result, but the draft is just a step in his career

June 29, the 2025 NBA Draft that ended on June 26, Chinese player Yang Hansen, who just celebrated his 20th birthday today was selected by the Trail Blazers (from the Grizzlies traded) in the 16th pick in the first round. In this regard, Chinese basketball celebrity and "little giant" Yao Ming talked about Yang Hansen in an interview.

At the draft meeting on June 26, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Cedric Coward with their 11th draw, and then immediately made a deal with the Grizzlies to send Coward to the Grizzlies in exchange for the Grizzlies' No. 16 draw and several future draft picks. The Grizzlies also have three future draft picks for this, including the first round pick for the 2028 Magic, the second round pick for the 2027 Hawks and the second round pick for the 2028 Kings.

The Trail Blazers immediately selected Chinese player Yang Hansen with the No. 16 draw, and this choice was beyond the expectations of many people.

Yang Hansen's 16th pick makes him the third highest pick in the history of Chinese men's basketball team, second only to Yao Ming's Rockets No. 1 pick in 2002 and Yi Jianlian's 6th pick in 2007, and is also the ninth Chinese player to be selected by the NBA.

Yao Ming said in an interview about Yang Hansen: "He is a very talented child, a great child! I have talked to him before, and forgot it was 3 weeks ago or 4 weeks ago, when he left China. I wish him good luck! And he deserves the best result. He and his team have put in all their efforts. But he said that no matter what the future is, the draft is only one step in his career, so we must continue to work hard!"

In response to this, netizens said, "Boss Yao has improved a lot after resigning from office."

" Yao Ming, the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, is for Yang. Hansen's message: "I think no matter what the result of tomorrow's draft is, they must remember one thing. The draft is only a short part of their career, even a short part of their life. Go ahead and go." "

" Yao Ming said very realistically. The draft is just the beginning, and the key is to take every step after it is good!"

" Yang Hansen's return to the NBA this time also activated the Chinese people's attention to basketball."

"Keep healthy, the ball rises and the ball rises and the ball rises and the ball rises and it's really ignited! My God! The old Chinese men's basketball fans are really excited! Suddenly I felt that I saw the dawn, and that feeling came again!"