Dylan Harper, Yang Hansen make history in the 2025 NBA Draft

Dylan Harper and Yang Hansen broke ground for Asian and Asian American representation during the 2025 NBA Draft, each reaching historic milestones on June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Harper ties a record

Dylan, a 6-foot-6 guard from Rutgers and son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, was selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs. The pick ties the talented 19-year-old with Jalen Green, drafted second in 2021, as the highest-selected Asian American in NBA history.

Dylan, whose mother Maria is Filipina, was visibly emotional as he took the stage. “"I almost cried. I mean, every emotion from being happy to excited—everything just kind of came in at one time," he told ESPN. A projected cornerstone of San Antonio’s system, he expressed excitement about playing alongside Victor Wembanyama and modeling his game after Cade Cunningham and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

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With his selection, Dylan joins a lineage of Asian American NBA players that includes Jeremy Lin, Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green.

Yang surprises in mid-first round

Yang, a 7-foot-2 center from Qingdao, China, was selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming just the third Chinese player ever taken in the first round after Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.

Trending on NextShark: Dylan Harper, Yang Hansen make history in the 2025 NBA Draft

Seated in the stands rather than the green room, Yang appeared stunned when his name was called. “This is sort of beyond my wildest imagination,” he said following his selection.

Long projected as a second-rounder, Yang’s stock rose following standout performances at the NBA Combine and private workouts. Scouts have praised his court vision and passing, leading to comparisons with Nikola Jokic and earning him the nickname “Chinese Jokic.” Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said the team had "been watching for quite a while" and called him a "very, very unique talent."

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