The basketball community is mourning the loss of Xu Changsuo, a pivotal figure in youth development and a mentor to rising star Yang Hansen.Xu Changsuo passed away on October 7th at the age of 52. Yang Hansen, who credits Xu Changsuo wiht his significant growth, shared his grief on social media, stating, I just finished training… I saw the news of my mentor’s death for a moment, sadness mixed with memories came to my heart. I remember everything you said. Thank you for your cultivation and teaching. Dear Director Xu, go all the way.
Xu Changsuo’s dedication to nurturing talent is exemplified by his pursuit of Yang Hansen. In 2019, Xu Changsuo discovered the then 14-year-old Yang Hansen competing for Zibo in a national middle school basketball tournament. Despite initial hesitation from Yang Hansen’s father regarding his son’s youth, Xu Changsuo persisted. A year later, his persistent efforts paid off, successfully recruiting yang Hansen to the Qingdao Youth Team in 2020.
During his tenure with the Qingdao Youth Team, Xu Changsuo implemented a personalized training regimen for Yang Hansen, dedicating over eighteen months to his development. Recognizing Yang Hansen’s unique physical attributes, Xu Changsuo emphasized strategies like ensuring adequate rest for optimal physical development, alongside focused training on core strength and smaller muscle groups. This meticulous guidance, under coaches like Xu changsuo, propelled Yang Hansen’s rapid advancement. He became instrumental in leading the Qingdao youth team to multiple championships and showcased remarkable performances in the CBA league, eventually earning a spot on the Chinese men’s national basketball team. his journey culminated on June 26, 2025, when Yang Hansen was selected 16th overall in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, a testament to xu Changsuo’s commitment and a fulfillment of a promise made to Yang Hansen’s father.
Xu Changsuo, a native of Laizhou City, Shandong Province, stood at 194 cm. He was a former professional basketball player and a notable member of the Shandong men’s basketball team’s “Five Tigers.” Following his playing career, Xu Changsuo dedicated himself to youth basketball development. His coaching experience includes leading the Shandong Men’s Basketball Youth Team and the Qingdao Youth Team. He also held head coaching positions for the Shanxi Men’s Basketball, Shandong Men’s Basketball, and Anhui Wenyi men’s Basketball teams. In 2024, Xu Changsuo stepped down as deputy general manager of the shandong Men’s Basketball Team due to health reasons, later transitioning to the role of director of youth training for the Qingdao Men’s Basketball Team.
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