The Rapid Rise of a Swiss Giant

When the year began, Yanic Konan Niederhäuser was not a serious candidate for the NBA draft. Now, this Swiss center for Penn State University could potentially hear his name called in the first round. “We’re currently in the 20 to 40 range,” reveals his agent, Sevag Keuchenyan.

Ajourney Through Adversity

“My NBA journey took a bit longer than others due to a late growth spurt,” says Niederhäuser. Born on March 14, 2003, in Bern, Switzerland, he’s the son of a mother with Ivorian roots and a German-speaking father. He stood 1.95m at 17, and a serious knee injury sparked a surprising growth phase – he grew ten centimeters in the following months and continued growing another eight centimeters.

This growth spurt altered his position. Once a forward, Niederhäuser moved to center, focusing his game near the basket. Despite his size, his judo background has blessed him with excellent mobility. “I’m active in my body care through many physiotherapy sessions,” he says.

A Global Basketball Journey

Niederhäuser started playing basketball at age ten in Neuchâtel and joined an academy in Freiburg, Switzerland, at eleven. In 2018, he moved to Germany for boarding school and, in 2022, headed to the USA, attending Northern Illinois University for two seasons before transferring to Penn State, which competes in the prestigious Big Ten Conference.

Konan: The Warrior

“Konan” is more than a name under the hoop – it means ‘warrior’. On the field, Niederhäuser transforms into Konan, fighting for his goals with quiet confidence off the court. During his season at Penn State, he consequently recorded averages of 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.

Niederhäuser dreams of hearing his name called in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center during the NBA draft on June 22-23. Minnesota, San Antonio, the LA Clippers, Detroit, and Phoenix are among the interested franchises.

But the humble giant, citing Geneva native Clint Capela as a model, emphasizes his independence: “I want to write my own story.” His ambition and modesty create an appealing package for NBA teams to consider.

FAQs about Yanic Konan Niederhäuser

• When is the NBA draft? It’s set for June 22-23, 2023, in the Barclays Center, Brooklyn.
• What are Niederhäuser’s averages in his last season at Penn State? He averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.
• How tall is Niederhäuser? The Swiss center stands 2.13 meters tall and weighs 115 kilograms.