PORTLAND Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen will not suit up for China in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
In a report by Xinhua News, the Chinese Basketball Association said NBA players like Yang were left off the Asian Games rosters as part of a broader plan to support their development in overseas professional leagues.
“The CBA has consistently supported players in developing their skills through high-level overseas leagues. Therefore, players competing in the NBA and WNBA have not been included in the Asian Games rosters,” it said in a statement.
The CBA added that the decision comes as China balances its Asian Games campaign with preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In Yang’s absence, the CBA named veteran Hu Jinqiu to lead the men’s national team.
The Asian Games basketball tournaments will begin ahead of the official opening ceremony, with the men’s competition scheduled to start on Sept. 10.
The CBA said its long-term strategy is to maintain China’s competitiveness while giving younger players opportunities to gain international experience and strengthening the talent pool for future FIBA and Olympic competitions. (By the Staff)
