BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Former NBA star Stephon Marbury has expressed his optimism on social media platform that the 18-year-old Chinese rising star Yang Hansen will compete in NBA one day.
"I think he can play in NBA," Marbury, a two-time NBA All-Star, said in a video posted on the short video app Douyin. "I think he has to work on his strength, but he has the footwork, he has the touch, he is smart on the basketball court. He is probably one of the best big man after Yao Ming, Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian. He is definitely the next big guy."
Yang, developed by the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league outfit Qingdao Eagles, has been putting on a remarkable performance this season, averaging 15.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.4 blocks per game.
Emerging as one of the CBA's most notable rookies, Yang was selected in the North Conference starting lineup for the 2024 All-Star Weekend.
Qingdao currently holds a record of 22 wins and 11 losses, ranking sixth in the CBA. ■
