Season Team League GP GS MIN PTS FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% OFF DEF TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF; Shanxi Zhongyu: CBA: 0: .
Yan Pengfei
Key Career Moment of Yan Pengfei
Yan Pengfei made history in 2018 when he became the first Chinese player to sign with an NBA G League team, the South Bay Lakers. Though he didn't make an NBA regular-season appearance, his journey inspired countless young basketball players in China.
His standout performance came in the 2017 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs, where he averaged 18.3 points per game, leading his team to the semifinals.
Yan Pengfei's work ethic is unmatched-he proved that Chinese players can compete at the highest levels, said a former CBA coach.
Unique Skill of Yan Pengfei
Yan Pengfei's signature skill is his elite mid-range shooting, particularly off the dribble.
His ability to create space with a quick first step and knock down contested jumpers made him a feared scorer in the CBA. Unlike many modern players who rely heavily on three-pointers, Pengfei thrived in the mid-post, using crafty footwork to outmaneuver defenders.
Yan Pengfei's Stats
- 12.4 points per game in his CBA career (2014-2022)
- 47.6% field goal percentage in his prime season (2018-19)
- First Chinese player signed to an NBA G League contract (2018)
Yan Pengfei's Legacy in the NBA
Though Yan Pengfei never played in an NBA game, his trailblazing career opened doors for future Chinese prospects.
His G League signing signaled that international scouts were taking notice of talent beyond the NBA's traditional pipelines.
Current Team: Shanghai Dongfang.
A unique fact: Pengfei once scored 30 points in a CBA game while battling a fever, earning him the nickname Iron Man among fans. Today, he mentors young players in China, proving that perseverance in basketball can lead to global opportunities.