SNAPSHOT

A shotblocker and inside finisher in the frontcourt, Yanic Konan Niederhauser uses his athletic traits to his advantage and may prove an inspired selection if he is still on the board early in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.

The center stands a towering seven feet tall, and makes the most of this height with impressive finishing above the rim, and although his fundamentals could do with some work, the blueprint is certainly there within his game to become a solid contributor at the top level.

DRAFT PROFILE

Born in Switzerland, Konan Niederhauser had a promising junior career, before moving to Germany to get some exposure on a professional team. There, he played for Ehingen Urspring, both on the Youth team and on the German Pro A League team.

He then made the move to the United States after being courted by NCAA sides for his impressive physical attributes and promising future. Konan Niederhauser joined the Northern Illinois Huskies, where he spent two seasons and gradually progressed despite limited opportunity.

At the end of the 2023/24 season, the big man joined the NCAA transfer portal, and joined the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he was given more court time and reflected that with some career-best performances, including 21 points and five boards against Ohio State.

Throughout the course of the 2024/25 season, he averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.3 blocks per game, while shooting 61.1 per cent from the field, 9.1 per cent from behind the arc and 66.4 per cent from the free throw line.

STRENGTHS

+ Interior defence
+ At-rim finishing
+ Shot creation upside
+ Shooting potential

IMPROVEMENTS

- Overall fundamentals
- Slight frame

As a shotblocker, Konan Niederhauser uses all the tools at his disposal to alter and deflect shots close to the basket, and can be intimidating for opposition sides on the drive. He rotates over nicely and can consistently anchor a team's defence in the future.

A constant lob threat, particularly in fast break situations, the big man makes the most of his impressive bounce and has an excellent feel for finishing at the rim. If he pairs with a point guard who has strong vision and passing ability, it will elevate his offensive production.

He has shown glimpses of being able to create his own shot, which can be rare for a player of his size and position, but the foundation is certainly there. It will bode well for the team who drafts him, given his potential to take the ball at the top of the key and drive inside with all of his athleticism.

There are some holes in his game when it comes to the pure fundamentals, with his positioning and overall feel for the game proving costly at times. If he can tidy up his boxing out and become more disciplined on the defensive end, it will make him a more effective player.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Second Round

Although he does have a raw game at this stage in his basketball journey, Konan Niederhauser is worth a pick in the second round based on his potential to develop into a strong two-way center in the coming seasons, and has plenty in his game for scouts to like.