The 20-Year-Old Who’s Already Winning Everywhere

I’ve spent years building models to predict elite basketball futures. Most prospects fade under pressure. But Yang Hanshen? He doesn’t just handle it—he redefines it.

At age 20, he’s not just playing at the same level as peers—he’s rewriting the rules.

Domestic Supremacy: U17 & U19 Titles

In 2022, Yang led Qingdao Guoxin Hai Tian to the U17 National Championship and earned MVP honors. Then came the U19 league—where he again finished as runner-up.

That’s two national titles in two years at youth level. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you’re the best player on every court you step on.

Asian Stage: Bronze & Breakthroughs

Fast forward to the FIBA U18 Asian Championship, where Yang helped China secure bronze—a solid result—but his personal performance? Legendary.

He wasn’t just part of a team; he was its engine.

World Stage: FIBA U19 World Cup – Best Player in Asia

The real turning point? The 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup. While many expected a modest showing from China, Yang delivered something rare:

• 12.6 PPG
• 10.4 RPG
• 4.7 APG
• 5 BPG

He earned a spot on the All-Tournament Second Team—the only Chinese player selected—and was among the top performers globally.

And yes… he outplayed the #1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Saal—who now looks like a late-round project compared to what Yang did under pressure.

American Exposure: NBA Combine Showdowns

Then comes the ultimate test: NBA Draft Combine. On Day 2 of the 5v5 scrimmage? The stats don’t lie:

• 18 minutes | ⁴⁄₃ FG | ⁷⁄₅ FT | 11 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and a block
• Over two games? ⁸⁄₁₁ FG | 23 points | 7 rebounds | 8 assists in just under 37 minutes

No flashiness—just efficient dominance across all five positions. His draft stock is rising fast—and for good reason.

Why This Matters Beyond Stats?

The numbers are clean-cut—but here’s what my model picks up that fans might miss: a) He plays defense with awareness not seen in players twice his age; b) His decision-making under pressure mirrors NCAA elite guards; c) His shot selection shows elite basketball IQ—not just athleticism. This isn’t ‘future potential.’ This is present impact. I’m not exaggerating when I say this reminds me of Yao Ming—but with more versatility than anyone since him at that age. The next chapter starts now.