Blazers can’t ignore Yang Hansen’s dominance in FIBA qualifiers

Yang Hansen became a fan favorite as soon as the Portland Trail Blazers surprisingly drafted him with the No. 16 pick in last year’s NBA Draft. He became the ninth player from China to play in the league.

Hansen has been compared to Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets because of his all-around play, especially his savvy passing. While he played sparingly in his rookie year with the Trail Blazers, the 21-year-old center showed flashes of brilliance.

He suited up for China in the current window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, which should aid his development ahead of his second year.

They walloped Qatar, 83-57, on Friday. Hansen tallied game-highs of 15 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in less than 20 minutes of action. He shot 7-of-11 from the field.

Yang Hansen delivered in today's FIBA World Cup Qualifier win for Team China

15 PTS
7-11 FGM
9 REB
2 BLK

(via @FIBAWC)pic.twitter.com/9hYN9TIDFg

— NBA (@NBA) August 27, 2026

China took care of business early, outscoring Qatar in the first quarter, 23-13. From there, it was a mere formality, and Hansen did not have to play much. They improved to 4-3 in Group F.

It is unclear whether Hansen will get more playing time in Portland in his sophomore stint, but that is something coach Micah Nori should consider, given the talented pivot’s steady improvement. For now, he is behind Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Micah Potter in the depth chart.

He averaged 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 43 games in his rookie campaign.

Hansen was dominant in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in July, putting up 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks in three games.

China will battle Lebanon on Monday.

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