Yang Xihao of Tsinghua University celebrates after being selected by the Fujian Sturgeons with the first pick of the CBA Draft in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2025. /Xinhua

The Fujian Sturgeons selected Yang Xihao from Tsinghua University with the first overall pick in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Draft in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on Saturday.

Born in 2002, Yang averaged 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the Chinese University Basketball League (CUBAL) last season, with his 2.05-meter height making him an effective finisher after cutting to the rim.

The second overall selection was Du Zhibo from Taiyuan University of Technology, who was chosen by the Sichuan Blue Whales. A 1.93-meter-tall shooter, Du averaged 16.2 points per game last season. He also improved his passing and dribbling skills in recent years, and is able to effectively play both guard positions.

The Jiangsu Dragons used the third pick to take Pang Zhenglin from the Guangxi Rhinos of the National Basketball League (NBL). He stands 1.83 meters tall and is known for a quick first move while driving past opposing players. He helped Guangxi win the NBL title two years ago. Pang made nine appearances this season, averaging 18.9 points and 5.7 assists per game.

A total of 21 players were selected in this year's CBA Draft. The 2025-26 CBA regular season is scheduled to begin in mid-October.