By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen feels no added pressure from comparisons with Nikola Jokic.
The 21-year-old Chinese big man has earned the nickname “Chinese Jokic” because of his passing ability and overall feel for the game. Rather than avoiding the comparison, Yang is using it as motivation.
“First of all, Jokic is my idol,” Yang said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, and I really love the way he plays. I think that’s also something the fans hope to see from me. So, I’ll just keep working hard.”
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Yang remains determined to build his own identity after completing his rookie NBA season with Portland. He averaged 16.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in five G League appearances, while also showing his potential with the Chinese national team.
Most recently, he recorded 15 points and nine rebounds in China’s 83-57 World Cup Qualifiers victory over Qatar.
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