Trail Blazers Rookie Yang Hansen Mentored by Yao Ming

The Chinese player is learning from the NBA legend as he adjusts to the league.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen recently revealed that he has received a lot of advice from Hall of Famer Yao Ming since joining the team last year. Yang, who was the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, has played sporadically this season but has spent time in the G League where he has been productive. The 20-year-old said Yao has been a valuable resource, sharing his experience and providing suggestions as Yang adjusts to the NBA game.

Why it matters

Yang is one of the few players from China to be drafted into the NBA, and Yao's mentorship is important as he navigates the transition. Yao was a trailblazer for Chinese players in the NBA, and his guidance can help Yang develop and potentially inspire more Asian players to chase their NBA dreams.

The details

Yang was an All-Star and All-CBA domestic first-team selection in each of his two seasons with Qingdao in the Chinese Basketball Association, and was also the 2024 CBA Defensive Player of the Year. Since joining the Trail Blazers, he has played limited minutes but has been productive in the G League, averaging 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.4 blocks while shooting 51.7% from the field. Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter has urged patience as Yang adjusts to the NBA game.

  • Yang was the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
  • Yang joined the Trail Blazers last year.
  • Yang has played sporadically this season, averaging 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7 1/2 minutes across 34 appearances.
  • Yang was among seven players from the G League chosen to participate in the Rising Stars Game on February 17, 2026.

The players

Yang Hansen

A 20-year-old rookie with the Portland Trail Blazers who was the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA draft after playing two seasons in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he was an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year.

Yao Ming

A Hall of Famer and NBA legend who played for the Houston Rockets and is a trailblazer for Chinese players in the NBA.

Tiago Splitter

The interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers who has urged patience as Yang Hansen adjusts to the NBA game.

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What they’re saying

“Actually, he is a great, great (man) to me. He shares a lot of experience with me. If I get some confusion, I will text him. I will ask him. He'll always give me some suggestions from his perspective.”

— Yang Hansen, Trail Blazers Rookie (Yahoo Sports)

“A new season, a new experience every day. I know how much I'm behind everyone here, so I try to just work hard every day and get better every day.”

— Yang Hansen, Trail Blazers Rookie (Yahoo Sports)

“I'm learning the best basketball in the world right now in the NBA. I want to try to learn as much as I can and carry it back to China or Asia. There are a lot of talented kids in Asia (and) a lot of different countries. I think they will try to chase their dream and to reach the NBA. We'll see more and more Asian players on the NBA court.”

— Yang Hansen, Trail Blazers Rookie (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Yang Hansen will look to continue developing his game and earning more playing time with the Trail Blazers as he adjusts to the NBA. His performance in the Rising Stars Game at All-Star Weekend will be an important showcase for his potential.

The takeaway

Yang Hansen's mentorship from Yao Ming highlights the importance of veteran guidance for young international players transitioning to the NBA. As more Asian players chase their NBA dreams, Hansen's journey could inspire the next generation to follow in Yao's footsteps and make an impact in the league.