The road is made by oneself

◆Li Yuanchun

Yang Hansen's journey to the NBA has just begun. His debut was similar to that of Yao Ming more than 20 years ago. The statistics were slightly bleak, but it was also a starting point full of symbolic significance. Just like Yao Ming's NBA journey, challenges and opportunities coexist in the future, and everything needs to be conquered and fought for by him.

From Yao Ming’s 0 points and 2 rebounds to Yang Hansen’s 2 points and 1 rebound, the two Chinese insiders from different eras showed striking similarities in their starting points in the NBA. This is not a coincidence, but a "novice wall" that all international players, especially tall centers, must go through when they land in the NBA, the highest palace of basketball. The rhythm of the game, the intensity of the confrontation, the expectations of the fans, the pressure of the media, etc., all together constitute a steep learning curve. The NBA debut data of Yao Ming and Yang Hansen jointly confirmed the reality that "the road is tortuous."

However, Yao Ming's bleak debut did not prevent him from proving himself by fighting hard in game after game. From the ridiculed "0-point No. 1 pick", through hard training day after day and extraordinary wisdom, he eventually grew into one of the most dominant centers in the league and was successfully elected to the NBA Hall of Fame. Yao Ming's path is a model of continuous improvement amidst twists and turns, and a model that shines through hardships.

Now, Yang Hansen has embarked on a similar path. His debut can be seen as a solid and necessary first step in this "thousand-mile journey". He experienced Gobert's defensive pressure, felt the impact of NBA-level physical fitness, and also carved his first scoring mark through two free throws. All of this is valuable experience.

The future is bright, and Yao Ming has proven this with his brilliant career. Now, Yang Hansen's NBA story has just written the prologue, and the twists and turns of his debut are just the first step in the narrative. As long as he keeps his faith and keeps his feet on the ground, this young Chinese giant should be able to usher in his own light one day in the future.