Posted April 16, 2024 | Article by Thomas English | Photo by Alisha Yi
Penn State and head coach Mike Rhoades have added a second player to their transfer portal class this offseason with the addition of Northern Illinois transfer Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
Niederhauser becomes the second player to commit to Penn State out of the transfer portal, joining former Xavier center Kachi Nzeh, who committed during the first week of April.
A 6-foot-11 native of Switzerland, Niederhauser announced his commitment to Penn State via his Instagram on Monday night and was first reported by Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68.
He previously spent the past two seasons with Northern Illinois where he averaged 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 20 minutes per game this season.
He appeared in 27 games for the Huskies this past season and started in 26 of those games played. This role grew from his freshman campaign when he made just two starts in 20 games played.
Niederhauser has experience playing against international competition as he spent time with the German club team Ehingen Urspring in 2021-22.
He began to gain recognition with the Swiss Under-18 National Team at the 2021 U18 European Challengers as he averaged 10.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game during the event.
This addition is big for Mike Rhoades and his staff as they lose all three of their big men from this season as Demetrius Lilley and Favour Aire have both entered the transfer portal and Qudus Wahab has run out of eligibility.
Niederhauser is known for his efforts on the defensive side of the ball with his lanky frame. He accumulated 67 blocks in his two seasons at Northern Illinois.
On the offensive end of the court, Niederhauser brings a strong rebounding presence as he gathered 120 rebounds this past season, including 43 on the offensive glass.
Niederhauser needs to improve his shooting ability. Niederhauser shot 54.1% from the field, but just 29.2% from beyond the arc, making seven of 24 attempts.
Niederhauser made huge strides between his freshman and sophomore campaigns and will arrive in Happy Valley with at least two more years of eligibility.
He will be expected to be a strong presence in the paint for a Mike Rhoades defensive scheme that relies heavily on guarding around and above the rim.
Rhoades and his staff will continue to build their roster as they bring in Niederhauser, Nzeh and a Top-25 nationally ranked recruiting class.
Thomas English is a third-year broadcast journalism major. To contact him, email tfe5082@psu.edu.
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