Yang blazes trail to NBA

Long considered China's "next big thing" destined for the NBA, Yang had prepared thoroughly for almost every scenario with the draft, supported by his CBA club, family, his Chinese agent and promoted by Los Angeles-based agency Klutch Sports Group, yet still didn't quite anticipate securing an NBA franchise spot so early.

But for some, it wasn't a surprise at all, as it turns out.

"We've been scouting him deeply for almost two years now ... He was the target," Portland's general manager Joe Cronin said after the draft when asked about the trade with Memphis to get the opportunity to pick Yang.

"For us it was so important to get him. So, we decided to do what some would say 'reach'. We decided to take that swing and over-draft, technically, a player that we really valued."

Now, it all makes perfect sense that it was Portland that was the first franchise to invite Yang to an individual workout on May 28, right after the Draft Combine in Chicago. And, apparently it was the first among all NBA clubs to send scouts to study Yang's form in the CBA — as early as late 2023.

Not everyone in Portland was happy about what some fans described a "gamble", but Cronin insisted that Yang's huge potential, which fits in today's all-around game, will pay dividends in the long run.

"He's a very capable player, a very talented young man that has a bright future. I would just ask (people to) give him time, let him settle in and watch him grow. I think everyone will be positively surprised," he said.

"His skillset is very advanced for his age, and he's mature physically ...he can withstand the strength of the NBA guys.

"His ceiling is very high. It's extremely difficult to find a young player of that stature with that skillset. It might take him some time, but, as he figures out the speed and pace in our game, I wouldn't put a ceiling on him. He's that talented."

Joining Yang at the draft were his parents, Yang Lin and Zhu Jing, his Chinese agent Ma Jie, and translator and assistant Liu Yucheng, who all attributed Yang's successful draft campaign to his talent, work ethic, discipline and charming character.

"We hope he can play hard here and win honor for our country," Yang's mother Zhu summed-up her hopes for her son.

"He's earned it, and he deserves it," said Yang's agent Ma. "It's not just his own honor, it's also a celebrated moment for Chinese basketball, particularly during a tough period."