Penn State Basketball’s former standout, Yanic Konan Niederhauser made history Wednesday night at the 2025 NBA Draft. The Swiss 7-footer became the first ever Nittany Lion basketball player to get drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft since the current two-round format started in 1989. Niederhauser went pick #30 to the Los Angeles Clippers in the last pick of the first round.
Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports had predicted that Niederhauser would go to the Clippers at pick #30.
“No veteran college big man had a stronger May than Niederhauser, culminating with a strong showing at the Combine,” Finkelstein wrote. “He blocked 2.3 shots per game at Penn State last year and looks the part of a late-blooming center who can provide real impact at the center position.”
With his stock rising in the pre-draft process, Niederhauser decided to forego his senior season in 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, PSU will need to figure out a way to help replace his productivity.
Last year, Niederhauser started 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.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.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 with the Los Angeles Clippers this upcoming season.
