TÍTULO: Yang Hansen Welcomes High Expectations From Chinese Fans in Second Season
SLUG: yang-hansen-welcomes-expectations-from-chinese-fans
Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen says growing scrutiny from basketball supporters in China is fueling his drive to make a bigger mark in the NBA during his upcoming sophomore campaign.
“Everybody in China wants me to play well, so they push me more,” Hansen told Rose Garden Reports’ Sean Highkin in a recent interview. “It’s pressure for me, but everybody has pressure. It’s not bad to have pressure.”
Rookie-Year Struggles
Selected No. 16 overall in last year’s draft, the 7-footer logged 43 appearances (one start) as a rookie, averaging 7.0 minutes, 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 31 percent from the field. He spent more time with the G League’s Rip City Remix than with Portland, drawing sharp criticism on Chinese social media, where some users labeled him “lazy” and “fat” and accused him of letting down both family and country.
Rather than tuning out the negative feedback, Hansen said he reads it for motivation. “The reason people take time to write comments is because they want me to be better on the court,” he explained. By contrast, he added, American fans he meets are “more encouraging,” often greeting him with, “Welcome to Portland” and “Good luck with the season.”
Off-Season Progress
Hansen pointed to tangible improvements during four Summer League contests, where he produced 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 blocks in 24.0 minutes, although turnovers remained an issue at 4.2 per game. A trimmed physique has helped, he said: “I feel much better. I’m faster. My pick-and-roll defense and rebounding I think are much better. My body is stronger.”
New Coach, Returning Star
The 21-year-old is enthusiastic about first-year head coach Micah Nori’s emphasis on a “team game” and attention to detail in practice. Hansen is also eager to line up alongside Damian Lillard, who missed last season with an Achilles tendon tear. “He’s a very good shooter, so I just need to set good screens for him,” the center noted.
Goal: Full-Time NBA Role
After shuttling repeatedly between Portland and the G League last season, Hansen hopes to stay with the Blazers full-time. “Going from the G League to the Blazers back and forth—sometimes it’s a long flight and I have to go to the airport early,” he said. “That was tough.”
Source: HoopsRumors
