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2025 NBA Draft: Yanic Konan Niederhauser



Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.


Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Position: Center

College: Penn State

Class: Junior

Height/Weight: 6'11", 243 lbs

Birthdate: March 14, 2003

Previous School: Northern Illinois


Player Overview


Originally from Fraschels, Switzerland, Yanic Konan Niederhauser is a physically imposing big man with size, length, and vertical explosiveness. After stints at both Northern Illinois and Penn State, he has shown flashes of being an effective interior presence, capable of impacting the game through rebounding, rim protection, and finishing around the basket. While raw in several areas, his athletic tools and positional profile give him a chance to carve out a role at the next level.


"His size, mobility, and explosiveness are unique. After strong showings at both the G League Elite Camp and NBA Draft Combine, his draft stock is clearly on the rise." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst

Strengths


  • Explosive leaper with good vertical pop and fluidity.

  • Effective lob threat and transition finisher—runs the floor hard and positions himself well.

  • Solid footwork and touch in the post despite limited usage.

  • Good positional size and length (7’3” wingspan).

  • Active hands on defense, generating blocks and deflections.

  • Capable rim protector with timing that allows him to deter shots inside.


Concerns


  • Limited perimeter shooting—has not shown reliable range or mid-post scoring.

  • Tends to get into foul trouble, which limits his availability and rhythm.

  • Lacks self-creation ability, making him dependent on others to generate offense.

  • Inconsistent in close-outs and pick-and-roll coverages—still developing defensive discipline on the perimeter.


Questions


  • Can he develop into a reliable pick-and-roll defender at the NBA level?

  • Will he show any tangible growth as a shooter, expanding his offensive versatility?

  • Can he stay on the floor consistently by avoiding foul trouble and improving his defensive reads?


Bottom Line


Yanic Konan Niederhauser is a defense-first big man who brings energy, length, and vertical athleticism to the table. While his offensive game is limited at this stage, his finishing touch around the rim and rim protection ability provide a foundation for potential rotational value. His pathway to success at the professional level hinges on improving his court awareness and adding just enough shooting or offensive versatility to stay relevant in modern schemes.

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