The 2025 NBA Draft is taking place next Wednesday and Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Penn State basketball’s former standout center, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, is projected to be drafted as a potential early to mid second-round pick. Some mock drafts have him going as early as a late first-round selection.
The Swiss 7-footer had an impressive showing in May at the G League Elite Camp in Chicago, averaging 15.5 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in two games. He showcased to the NBA scouts his impressive athleticism, potential as a rim protector, and a lob threat with the ability to catch and finish plays. From there, Niederhauser earned an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine. At the combine, he was measured with a 37-inch vertical jump, a 33.5-inch standing vertical, a 3.2-second three quarter sprint and a 2.84-second shuttle run. With these eye-popping measurables combined, Niederhauser would have set a record for centers with a metric score of 100.0.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.With his stock rising in the pre-draft process, the athletic 7-footer made the tough decision to forego his senior season at Happy Valley and officially declare for the NBA Draft. Niederhauser’s exit will leave a big void in Penn State’s 2025-2026 roster. By committee, the Nittany Lions will need to figure out a way to help replace the athletic phenom’s productivity. As a Junior last year, Niederhauser started in 29 games. He averaged 12.9 ppg., 6.3 rebounds per game, and had a Big Ten-best 2.31 blocks per game. The 7-footer also shot an astounding 61.1% (143-234) from the field.
Coach Mike Rhoades and company have already brought in two promising 7-footers to help try to replace Niederhauser’s absence. Ivan Juric from Zagreb, Croatia/Sunrise Christian Academy (Kansas) and Justin Houser from Camp Hill, Pa./Phelps School have already committed to the Blue and White. While the two freshmen have big shoes to fill, Niederhauser will also be trying to earn his keep only on an NBA squad this upcoming season.
