As a former ESPN analyst and data-driven observer of global basketball systems, I break down why Chinese athletes like Yang Hanshen often project overconfidence. It’s not arrogance—it’s a lack of competitive exposure. Growing up in a system with limited high-level games and minimal elimination pressure breeds inflated self-perception. This isn’t about talent; it’s about structure. In this deep dive, I analyze the real root cause: the absence of constant, meaningful competition during youth development. Spoiler: even stars like Yao Ming and Wu Lei faced the same trap.