The NBA Draft scouts at Klutch Sports Group don’t leave any stone unturned. Just a year after adding former Basketball Africa League center Ulrich Chomche to their roster, the highly popular agency has signed Qingdao center Hansen Yang, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. The 19-year-old will be personally represented by Klutch Sports CEO, Rich Paul.
Klutch Sports Signs 2025 NBA Draft Prospect Hansen Yang
In 2024-25, Yang has averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. Though listed at 7-foot-1, he’s also a floor spacer, shooting 34.5 percent from three-point range. Because of the level of competition he’s facing in the Chinese Basketball Association, his numbers should be taken with a grain of salt.
KLUTCH Sports Group has signed Hansen Yang, one of the most promising young basketball talents from China.
He will be represented by Rich Paul and an experienced team of executives.
The 19-year-old Yang is currently playing for Qingdao Conson Haitian Basketball Club in the…
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 16, 2025
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Regardless, Yang has displayed a special skillset. As a low-post option, his footwork and feel inspire images of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. He’s lighter on his feet than the three-time NBA MVP though, which is often displayed in the pick-and-roll.
That being said, it’s not just guards and wings who want to dial it up from beyond the arc in this era. Even if he was restricted to the restricted area, he’d have the opportunity to be a game-changer offensively. With his ability to put the ball in the hoop at all three levels, he could develop into a prized offensive option.
A savvy playmaker, Yang also has the IQ and passing ability to be used as an offensive fulcrum.
Meanwhile, at the defensive end, his timing and anticipation allows him to be a high-level rim-protector.
A thorough scouting report on Yang, provided by Critical Analysis Basketball, can be found here.
Where Will He Be Drafted?
Like Chomche, Yang could be drafted in the second round. However, to Paul, what’s more important than where Yang is picked is who he’ll play for.
Of course when it came to Los Angeles Lskers guard Bronny James, the son of his most famous client, Paul prioritized his player’s interests. That appears to be his standard though, not an anomaly. Chomche ended up with the Toronto Raptors, a team that’s historically done well developing big men. Raptors president Masai Ujiri is also fond of African-born players.
When Akron native Chris Livingston was drafted in 2023, Paul wanted him to go the Milwaukee Bucks. Prior to the team hiring Doc Rivers as Adrian Griffin’s replacement, the franchise seemed to be prioritizing player development. Thus, Livingston landing with them was seen as a solid move for both sides.
Based on Yang’s background, he could land with the Brooklyn Nets. To that point, Nets owner Joe Tsai has openly admitted to being willing to help Chinese players take the next step in their careers. Brooklyn is in the rebuild process, which often allows young players to explore their potential.
Nonetheless, Yang has a skillset that should draw interest from all 30 teams. Where he’ll ultimately go —or if he’ll be drafted at all —is anyone’s guess.
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