Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, in your Los Angeles Clippers’ 123:140 defeat at the Miami Heat, you contributed with a strong performance in the second half to the fact that your team almost came close at the end despite a 38-point deficit. What is your conclusion?
YANIC KONAN NIEDERHAUSER: After the first half (76:56 for Miami) it was clear that our team needed new energy. Then I just tried to do what I could. At the same time, I just wanted to keep learning every minute I was on the court, because you can’t be perfect from the start. Therefore, every experience I am currently gaining on the field is extremely important to me.
The day before the NBA game in Miami, you were in action for the Los Angeles Clippers’ G League team, the San Diego Clippers. Can you describe how you experienced these two days?
NIEDERHAUSER: Well, it was my third time in the G-League, but by far the longest day (laughs). After playing in San Diego on Sunday night, I drove back to Los Angeles straight after. I got home at 1 a.m. and fell asleep an hour later. I had to get up again at 6 a.m. and go to the airport where my flight to Miami left. When I arrived here, I first had strength training and then the match against the Heat in the evening. So you can say it was a really long day (laughs).
As you know, you are currently completing your rookie season in the best basketball league in the world. Does it still happen every now and then in the first few months that you have to pinch yourself about what you have achieved, or have you already realized it 100 percent?
NIEDERHAUSER: Well, I knew from the start that this wasn’t going to be easy. But I always think about the future and therefore have the big picture in mind! So I realize that I just have to get through it now. Of course I can be angry, disappointed or tired at certain moments – but in the end that doesn’t get me anywhere! That’s why I try to always have a good mindset and make the best of it.
Looking back on your first few months in the NBA, what have you learned the most so far?
NIEDERHAUSER: I would actually say the mindset I mentioned earlier. You get up early every day and then pretty much always do the same thing. It’s a bit boring every now and then. But if you learn exactly this discipline, it gets easier over time. I have definitely made progress in this area.
Some of your teammates on the Clippers like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are future Hall of Famers. There are also other players with immense experience. Is it a real stroke of luck for you as a young player to have such professionals at your side and to learn from them?
NIEDERHAUSER: Yes, definitely! Basically, I can watch these guys constantly. In other words: What do you do before or after a game or even during training? That’s really, really cool. I then do some things that I like and see if they suit me. From that point of view, it is of course a great opportunity that is presented to me.
Do you have a specific mentor within the team that you prefer to turn to for certain things and questions?
NIEDERHAUSER: I wouldn’t say that I have a very special mentor. Luckily, a lot of my teammates really help me and I can always exchange ideas with them. For example, I speak to Nicolas Batum very often. So if I had to pick one specific person in this regard, it would probably be him. I also talk a lot with Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Brook Lopez. They’re all really good guys who only wish me the best.
Let’s go back in time a few years: In 2018 you decided to move to the well-known Urspring Basketball Academy in Germany. Why did you choose this basketball boarding school?
NIEDERHAUSER: In my opinion, Urspring was just the perfect place when it came to basketball. Basically, you can’t do much there other than play basketball and go to school (laugh). My decision back then was between Urspring and Ludwigsburg. To be honest, I initially leaned more towards Ludwigsburg. But my mother in particular was of the opinion that I might be too distracted by city life there. At the beginning I wasn’t 100 percent happy with it. But in retrospect it was exactly the right decision.
How difficult was it for you to leave your home and family at the age of 15 and move alone to another country or to a boarding school?
NIEDERHAUSER: That was really difficult. I would even say that the first few months were the most difficult time for me so far. You are suddenly away from your family and only see them once a month. Dealing with this definitely wasn’t easy – especially since you’re suddenly completely on your own! Over time, Urspring became like a family to me. The relationship with my teammates as well as the coaches and the people around me became closer and better, so that from a certain point on I felt like I was at home.
Accordingly, these four years in total may well have been a decisive factor for your further successful basketball career…
NIEDERHAUSER: Absolutely! During this period I was able to concentrate 100 percent on both school and my final high school diploma as well as on playing basketball. As already said, there was no possibility of doing anything else there. Accordingly, these four years have had a huge impact on me.
You have now landed in the NBA with the Clippers via Northern Illinois University (2022 to 2024) and Pennsylvania State University (2024/25). How has Bernese-born Yanic Niederhäuser now settled in the glamorous city of Los Angeles, a city of millions?
NIEDERHAUSER: Los Angeles is really a beautiful city with a lot to do and a lot to do and see. To be honest, I haven’t had the time to really explore the city yet. So far, my only plan has been basketball and relaxation. At some point I will definitely get around to dealing with Los Angeles more intensively. But my priority at the moment is solely on basketball.
What do you personally have planned for the rest of your rookie season?
NIEDERHAUSER: My biggest goal and plan is to learn as much as possible this season. In addition, I want to be in the best possible shape – especially when it comes to fitness so that I can really get to the absolute NBA level. That’s why I’ll always give 100 percent and run when I’m on the court. I’ve decided to do that.
To person: Yanic Konan Niederhäuser was born on March 14, 2003 in Bern. At the age of 15, the Swiss decided to move to the German Urspring Academy, where he also played in the German ProA for Ehingen/Urspring for the first time at the beginning of 2021. After four years, during which he also graduated from high school, the 2.13 meter tall exceptional talent first moved to college before he was finally drafted 30th in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
