Despite only playing for Penn State for one season, Yanic Konan Niederhauser managed to create program history.
The historical event actually occurred after his tenure with the Nittany Lions ended, as the Los Angeles Clippers selected him in the first round, 30th overall, of Wednesday’s NBA Draft.
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who was selected 30th by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, takes a picture with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. (Photo by Adam Hunger/AP)
The 7-foot, 250-pound center was selected with that choice, making him the first Penn State player ever selected in the NBA Draft’s first round. Additionally, he was the first Nittany Lions player chosen because Seth Lundy (Atlanta) and Jalen Pickett (Denver) were both taking in 2023.
Dreams becoming reality #WeAre|#NBADraftpic.twitter.com/JOcxXs8Ww9
Before the previous season, Konan Niederhauser transferred to Penn State, where he averaged 12.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Additionally, his 2.31 blocks per game topped the Big Ten.
When his name was called, Konan Niederhauser was seen on camera sitting in a box high up in the Barclays Center. After that, he had to run to the stage.
