Game Analysis: Hansen Yang vs. Liaoning
Evaluating Chinese big Hansen Yang for Qingdao vs. Liaoning on Jan. 12, 2025 in the CBA.
Hansen Yang is averaging 16.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game in the Chinese league (CBA) this season on 57.7/29.7/65.7 shooting splits.
Similar to last season, he remains Qingdao’s anchor on both ends of the floor.
Yang’s game against Liaoning on Jan. 12 is a good example of where his game and draft stock currently are. He had 22 points (9/13 FG, 0/1 3P, 4/7 FT), 11 rebounds (4o/7d), 4 assists, 1 turnover, 3 steals, and 4 blocks.
On the offensive end, Yang is very effective in the post due to his combination of physicality and skill. He consistently establishes position in the low post, and uses shot fakes and excellent footwork to leave defenders off-balance and create space near the rim. Yang can lower his body to generate contact and push defenders back.
His signature spin move works effectively in both directions, and he can spin one way, then pivot back the other in the same possession. He barely dunks, but his soft touch compensates for his average vertical explosiveness. However, he can struggles to finish against bigger and longer centers. This becomes more important in the NBA. Additionally, he can’t stretch the floor (11 threes made, 37 attempted in 35 games this season); in this game, he only attempted — and missed — one mid-range shot and one three-pointer.
Yang is an elite playmaker. He has strong court vision and a diverse passing arsenal.
Against Liaoning, Qingdao frequently used him at the top of the key in handoff actions, asking him to make quick decisions and create opportunities for teammates. He also excels at finding open players or connecting plays as a short-roll operator and post facilitator. However, he committed two turnovers in this game when double-teamed in the post. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 0.97 is near neutral this season, which I find acceptable for playmaking bigs.
Defensively, Yang excels as an interior defender but faces questions about his switchability. He was the CBA’s DPOY last season, and his defensive metrics have improved this year. He leads the CBA in blocks with 2.7 per game, and also contributes one steal a night.
The CBA has way less spacing in offense compared to the NBA, so Yang’s assist numbers might go up with a more open court. He’ll also likely meet less bodies in the paint. But then, the Chinese center also has to cover more ground on defense.
In pick-and-roll defense, Yang typically stays in the paint and depends on guards to fight through screens. While he occasionally alters or blocks shots when hedging, his footspeed when recovering to the paint — especially in potential NBA scenarios — raises concerns. Qingdao avoided switching him onto guards in this game, which shows their concerns about his mobility. Typically, most of the CBA’s import guards1 are too quick for him.
Yang is not the strongest, tallest, or most athletic big in the CBA, but his blend of strength, length, timing and verticality makes him a high-level rim protector. Liaoning’s import guards struggled to score when Yang stayed at the rim. However, in other games that I watched, guards with polished midrange games can exploit Yang’s lack of lateral quickness.
As a rebounder, Yang is average for a 7-foot-1 center. He can leverage his size and length effectively on the glass and actively box out opponents; however, he occasionally loses battles against stronger veterans like Liaoning’s Han Dejun. Improved strength could enhance his consistency in this area. Then, his limited vertical explosiveness further impacts his rebounding.
Yang is vocal on the court, directing teammates on both ends — a rare trait for a 19-year-old. His high basketball IQ stands out and helps him on both ends of the floor.
Overall, Yang is a unique prospect with natural playmaking talent. He projects as a second-round pick who needs another year to develop his body. If his shooting improves, he could become a steal in the second round.
Xiaohan Zhang, Harry, is a basketball lover studying anthropology in Hong Kong. He is dreaming of becoming a scout.
Piece edited by Wilko Martínez-Cachero.
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