Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen, the third Chinese basketball player to be selected in the first round of the United States' National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, said he will work hard to play well in his rookie season. Trail Blazers hosted its annual media day event at the Moda Center on Monday. In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on the sidelines of Trail Blazers' annual media day event at the Moda Center on Monday, Yang said he prides himself on his achievement and influence on other Chinese players and everything is going well with his life in Portland. The event unofficially started a new season. Yang told CGTN that he is working on getting his driver's license and improving his English skills by taking a class and talking more with his teammates on the court. Standing at 2.18 meters, the 20-year-old was picked 16th in the first round of the draft in June, becoming the highest-ranked Chinese draft pick since Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, who were selected No. 1 by the Houston Rockets in 2002 and No. 6 by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007, respectively. Yang enters the NBA after a pair of standout seasons with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). During the 2024-2025 regular season, he averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.0 steal per game, showcasing the all-around skills that intrigued NBA scouts. His passing ability, particularly from the high post, drew frequent comparisons to European big men. Yang has already attracted attention by his brief spell with Portland during the NBA Summer League. But with the new season now fast approaching, his focus is on making the best of every playing opportunity, which may still be a challenge in his rookie season. Shotlist: Portland, Oregon, USA - Sept 29, 2025: 1. Various of Portland Trail Blazers players posing for photos; 2. Various of players autographing basketballs; 3. Various of Chinese basketball player Yang Hansen taking interview; 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Yang Hansen, Chinese basketball player (starting with shot 3): "Currently, everything is going well. My apartment and all other things are perfect."; 5. Sportswear of Yang; 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Yang Hansen, Chinese basketball player: "I believe more Chinese people will be inspired to play basketball overseas in their own attempts to improve themselves. I think it's my honor."; 7. Signed basketballs, other merchandise; 8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Yang Hansen, Chinese basketball player (starting with shot 7): "I don't want to talk big. I will just try to be good on the court in every minute and every game."; 9. Yang walking away. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]