Yang Hansen's trial for the Trailblazers was exposed: 90 minutes to leave a positive impression and take the initiative to communicate with teammates

On May 30, Beijing time, China's rising star Yang Hansen completed his first pre-draft tryout with the Trail Blazers today, marking another step in his ongoing U.S. draft journey. The 19-year-old, who impressed scouts with his size and shooting touch at the combined tryout for the NBA Draft in Chicago, spent 90 minutes with the Trail Blazers that included warm-ups, shooting drills and a full-court 3-on-3 matchup.

Although the Trail Blazers currently hold only the No. 11 pick in the draft and appear to have plenty of personnel at the center position, the team included Young in the broader evaluation process. The players involved in the tryout include a number of potential first-round picks such as Asa Newell, Jess Richardson, Liam McNeely, Rachel Fleming and Will Riley, and Young is the only full-time center among them.

"The tryouts were fast-paced," Yang said after the trial, "and I tried to adjust quickly, find my niche in the team, and keep pushing myself to keep up with the pace and stay focused. ”

Given that the Trail Blazers already have Ayton, Klingen, Robert Williams and other interior players, it is unlikely that the team will pick another center with the only lottery pick (No. 11). However, this No. 11 pick could also be a trade chip. It is reported that the Trail Blazers are interested in consolidating draft picks or trading down in exchange for a last-round first-round pick or a second-round pick.

Yang's ties with the Trail Blazers can be traced back to Dupu Reese, who briefly played for Yang's CBA Qingdao men's basketball team in the 2022-23 season.According to sources, Reece spoke positively of Young to the Trail Blazers coaching staff, helping the young center enter the team's vision. Since then, Yang has said he is more focused on the Trail Blazers' game and player development system. The trip to Portland is part of Young's intensive tryout schedule, with more than 10 NBA teams reportedly interested in him. His agency team is selectively scheduling tryouts to ensure he is in top shape and well-rested before draft night.

While Young's physical condition and skill continue to attract the attention of teams, scouts are also looking at his adaptability – including communication skills. He was always accompanied by an interpreter during the tryouts and interviews, which limited his direct communication with the media. While this is common for international rookies, it can also delay cultural and linguistic integration, which is something that teams will consider in the long term.Still, Yang made a positive impression on the team's staff and tryouts, and he took the initiative to shake hands and briefly exchange ideas with everyone after the trial, including with general manager Joe Cronin and rookie inside lineman Donovan Klingen.

Yang Hansen is still a unique international potential stock – the technology is still young, but there is a lot of room for upside. While the Trail Blazers may not be his most likely next home, this tryout is further evidence of his rising draft market and gives him valuable exposure in a high-competition environment.