NBA Comparison: Daniel Gafford / Jaxson Hayes

Strengths: Late-blooming Swiss big man with elite length and intriguing upside as a rim-running, shot-blocking presence … Measured 6’11.25” barefoot with a 7’3.25” wingspan and a 9’3” standing reach at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, ideal measurements for an NBA center … Also tested well athletically, with a 37.0” max vertical, giving him a valuable blend of size, bounce, and mobility … Shows good physical tools with a solid frame at 246 pounds that still appears wiry, he should be able to add more functional strength without losing fluidity … Had a breakout season at Penn State, averaging 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game on 61.1% shooting in 25.1 minutes … Highly effective as a lob target in transition and out of the pick-and-roll, runs the floor hard, finishes above the rim, and thrives in space … Developing touch around the rim and the beginnings of a post game that, while still raw, shows flashes of upside with footwork and touch … His free throw mechanics are clean and suggest further improvement from his 66.4% mark at the line … Defensively, he brings legit shot-blocking presence, long, quick off the floor, and improving his timing … Averaged 2.3 blocks per game and displayed growing instincts as a rim protector … Can contest or alter shots both as a primary and help defender … Finishes well through contact and plays with a motor … Reported to be highly coachable, and his development from Northern Illinois to Penn State reflects his work ethic and learning curve … Still relatively new to high-level basketball and shows promising growth indicators.

Weaknesses: Niederhauser remains raw in several areas despite his improvements … Still learning how to impose himself offensively, cannot yet create for himself consistently and is mostly dependent on others for scoring chances … While his post game is improving, it still needs refinement and confidence to become a reliable part of his arsenal … Lacks advanced footwork and doesn’t pass well out of the post, averaged just 0.8 assists per game … Turnover-prone at times and can struggle reading defenses or handling double teams … Not a polished offensive option outside of the paint … Rebounding fundamentals are inconsistent, gets decent numbers but can improve his positioning and technique to secure boards more reliably … Can get moved off spots by more physical bigs and doesn’t always box out consistently … Defensively, his timing and discipline still fluctuate, bites on fakes and can be foul-prone … His feel on both ends is still catching up to his physical tools … Lateral mobility is average, limiting his ability to switch or defend in space … Already 23 years old, which limits perceived upside to some scouts compared to younger prospects, but his progress and upside still give him intrigue … Career stats not overly impressive and did not begin to standout until he was already 22, leading to some questions about his ability to compete at a high level without a decided age advantage …

Outlook: Niederhauser is emerging as one of the more intriguing second-round big men in the 2025 class, with a real chance to rise into late first-round conversations … His size, rim protection, and lob-finishing ability create a clear pathway to an NBA role, and his continued growth hints at more to come … With the ability to add weight, sharpen his post game, and continue refining his instincts, he could develop into a reliable rotational center, or more, over time … Given his elite measurements, athleticism, and strong work habits, teams willing to invest in a project big could see major long-term returns … While he may require patience, his trajectory suggests he’s worth the wait.

Notes: Measured 6’11.25” barefoot, 242.6 lbs, 7’3.25” wingspan, 9’3.00” standing reach, 33.5” no step vertical and 37.0” max vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine … Spent two years at Northern Illinois before transferring to Penn State … Started all 29 games in 2024–25 … 2024–25 stats: 29 GP, 25.1 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 61.1% FG, 9.1% 3PT, 66.4% FT. … Spent two seasons at Northern Illinois before transferring to Penn State as a senior …

Aran Smith 5/22/25