Yang Hansen’s Against-the-Odds Draft Climb

The Uphill Battle for International Prospects

Let’s be honest - the NBA draft has always been kinder to players coming through established systems. Most international prospects today stand on the shoulders of giants like Dirk or Yao who paved the way. But what happens when you’re trying to carve your own path? Enter China’s Yang Hansen.

When the Deck Was Stacked Against Him

Scouts came in with preconceptions (let’s call it what it is - bias). His pre-draft reports read like damage control: “Surprisingly mobile for his size” (translation: we expected him to move like a fridge). The advanced stats showed potential, but basketball politics meant Yang needed to work twice as hard for half the credit.

The Combine That Changed Everything

Here’s where it gets interesting. At the combine:

• Shot 42% from NBA three-point range (watch tape - those weren’t flukes)
• Recorded a 7’4” wingspan measurement (that’s Rudy Gobert territory)
• Showed better lateral quickness than projected Suddenly, GMs who’d skipped his international games were texting their scouts “Why didn’t we have this kid higher?”

Why Late Second-Round Still Matters

In today’s 60-pick draft:

• Picks 45-60 have produced rotation players (hello, Nikola Jokic was pick 41)
• Two-way contracts provide more opportunities than ever Yang isn’t walking into prime minutes, but he’s earned his foot in the door - something countless “more hyped” prospects failed to do.

The takeaway? Sometimes making history means being willing to be misunderstood first.