Core Points - Yang Hanshen, a 2.16-meter tall Chinese player, was selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA draft, becoming the third Chinese player to be picked in the first round after Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian [1] - The selection coincided with Yang's 20th birthday, marking a significant milestone in his career [1] - Yang's journey included trials with 13 NBA teams, with the Trail Blazers showing particular interest by sending scouts to observe him multiple times [1] Background and Development - Yang Hanshen was influenced by his father, Yang Lin, a former amateur basketball player, which led him to start playing basketball at a young age [3] - Initially, Yang was not very passionate about basketball, but his love for the game grew through professional training [5] - During his four years at the Zibo Sports School, Yang's talent was recognized, and he received attention from various professional clubs [5][7] Coaching and Training - Coach Xu Changshuo identified Yang's potential during an invitational tournament, leading to his recruitment into the Qingdao Youth Team [7] - Yang faced challenges in his early training, including physical conditioning, but demonstrated determination and resilience [9] - Xu implemented tailored training methods for Yang, focusing on core strength and skill development, which contributed to his rapid improvement [9][12] Professional Progression - After Xu left the Qingdao Youth Team, Yang continued to develop under coach Liu Weiwei, who recognized his talent and included him in the first team [12] - Yang's performance in the U19 World Cup showcased his abilities, earning him accolades and comparisons to NBA star Nikola Jokic [12] - As Yang entered the CBA for the 2023-2024 season, he attracted significant attention from NBA scouts, leading to increased pressure [13][15] Future Prospects - Yang's journey in the NBA draft process included impressive performances in trials, leading to recognition from teams with first and second-round picks [15] - Despite the external expectations, Yang remains focused on his development and aims to take a grounded approach to his career [15]