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Next Chinese NBA star? Yao Ming and Dwyane Wade keep eye on teenager Yang Hansen

  • Yao introduces 18-year-old Yang to fellow former NBA star Dwyane Wade during CBA All-Star Weekend
  • Wade offers advice on what it may take to reach the promised land of the NBA, reportedly urging Yang to work on his strength and stamina

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Yang Hansen (right) was ineffective against Japan during China’s 76-73 loss in Tokyo. Photo: Fiba
Mike Chan
Less than a week after suggesting China should not expect to unearth another basketball star of his magnitude, Yao Ming has pointed one of the country’s brighter prospects in the direction of the NBA.
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Former Houston Rockets player Yao, now president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), introduced 18-year-old Yang Hansen to NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, who was in Xiamen for the CBA All-Star Weekend.

Wade, who in recent days made appearances in Macau and Hong Kong, reportedly praised Yang’s abilities, telling Yang he had watched some of his games while giving the teenager some advice on what it may take to reach NBA standard.

The three-time NBA champion was said to have urged Yang, of Qingdao Eagles, to continue working on his body strength and stamina so as to have more hope of playing in the North American league.

Yang Hansen (left) was part of China’s losing team against Japan in Tokyo last week. Photo: Fiba
Yang Hansen (left) was part of China’s losing team against Japan in Tokyo last week. Photo: Fiba

Standing at 7ft 1in (2.16 metres), the centre was relatively unknown until last summer, when he averaged 12.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and five blocks for China at the Fiba U19 World Cup, and was selected for the team of the tournament in Hungary.

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The renowned Chinese basketball commentator Su Qun has suggested Yang may not be ready for the next NBA draft in June, and should spend a “couple more seasons” in the CBA first.

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