Chinese basketball player Yang Hansen became the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is headed to the Portland Trail Blazers, who traded down with the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I'm happy, and I'm excited," Yang told China Daily.

"My focus is on playing my game, training the right way, staying consistent every day and doing everything I need to do to keep getting better," he said. "Thank you all for the support and encouragement you've given me — it truly means a lot."

He became the ninth Chinese player ever drafted into the NBA, and the first since 2016 to enter the league through the draft.

Yang is the highest-drafted Chinese player since Yi Jianlian, who went 6th overall in 2007. Such a milestone would not only mark a personal achievement for Yang, but also signal a potential resurgence of Chinese talent in the NBA pipeline.

The draft also coincided with Yang's 20th birthday, making the night a double milestone.

"This is the best gift," he said. "On the court, I'll keep working to improve and stay focused on doing my part — together with my teammates, we'll stay united and push forward."

Over the course of 24 days, the young center from Qingdao, Shandong province, traveled 27,600 kilometers across the United States, working out with 14 NBA teams — once again bringing the presence of a Chinese player to the world's most competitive basketball stage.

Several players from the Chinese Basketball Association have made it to the NBA through the draft over the past years, with Yao Ming, Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian each earning roles and achieving success on the international stage.

The most recent draftee was Zhou Qi, selected 43rd overall by the Houston Rockets in 2016. In 2024, another Chinese player Cui Yongxi made five appearances for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2024-25 NBA season before returning to China after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

With the arrival of 20-year-old Yang, a 7-foot-1 (2.16-meter) forward-center, a new chapter is opening for Chinese players in the NBA. Yang has quickly risen through the ranks of former CBA standouts, earning widespread recognition for his two-way dominance on both ends of the court.

He was named the CBA Rising Star of the Year in back-to-back seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) and twice earned spots on both the All-CBA Domestic First Team and the CBA All-Star roster.

In the 2023-24 season, Yang was crowned the CBA Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.2 blocks per game.

He took his game even further in 2024-25, posting 16.6 points, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 58 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range. His 2.6 blocks per game led the league, solidifying his reputation as one of the CBA's premier rim protectors.

"I've gained a lot of experience in the CBA — it helped me grow, toughen up and now I feel ready to play more games, understand the game better and give my best every time I step on the court," he said.

Beyond his domestic achievements, Yang has also represented China in international competitions, showcasing his potential on the global stage. His combination of size, mobility and skill set drew interest from multiple NBA scouts before the draft, particularly for his defensive versatility and improved offensive efficiency.

"I also hope to share more of China's traditional culture with people here — to bring a piece of it with me and let people experience it for themselves," Yang added.

Fans in China and the US will be watching closely, hopeful that Yang will take the next step in his basketball journey — from Qingdao to the NBA.

Yang said he hoped his experience could inspire more athletes in China.

"Keep working hard, stay confident and don't overthink things. Trust yourself, stay relaxed and you'll often go beyond what you thought was possible," he said.

Huang Yingtu, 25, of New Jersey said he is excited to see Yang get the No.16 pick.

"I truly believe he has a bright future in the NBA. I'm proud and grateful that he's representing China — opportunities like this don't come often. The NBA is a world-class stage, and it's the perfect place for Yang to unleash his full potential," he said.

"I hope he can show fans in the US and around the world just how talented Chinese basketball players are," he added. "Sports are a powerful bridge that connects people across cultures. With athletes from all over the world playing in the NBA, I hope basketball continues to inspire more global exchange and understanding."