Yanni Wetzell

Yannick Clemens Thomas Wetzell (born 8 July 1996) is a New Zealand professional basketball player for Akita Northern Happinets of the Japanese B.League. He played college basketball for the St. Mary's Rattlers, the Vanderbilt Commodores, and the San Diego State Aztecs.

Early life Wetzell grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. At the age of eight, he played soccer alongside later San Diego State goaltender Cameron Hogg. Wetzell decided to focus on tennis at the age of 13 and achieved a junior national ranking. He attended Westlake Boys High School in Auckland. As a senior in high school, he began playing basketball due to a growth spurt. Wetzell helped lead his team to the 2014 final of the Secondary Schools National Championships, losing to Otago Boys High School. Following the season, he transferred to Vanderbilt, choosing the Commodores over Purdue, Baylor, and Texas, and sat out a season per NCAA regulations.

As a junior at Vanderbilt, Wetzell made 10 starts and averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, shooting 49.6 percent from the floor. He was a SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree and earned a degree in economics. He was named to the Second Team All-Mountain West.

Professional career

South East Melbourne Phoenix (2020–2021) On 28 July 2020, Wetzell signed his first professional contract with South East Melbourne Phoenix of the National Basketball League. On 16 August 2020, Wetzell exercised the European out clause in his contract and was released by the Phoenix. He signed with Riesen Ludwigsburg of the German Basketball Bundesliga on 19 August, but rejoined the Phoenix on 14 October after experiencing passport complications with his move to Europe. Wetzell averaged 11.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

New Zealand Breakers (2021–2022) On 2 July 2021, Wetzell signed a three-year deal with the New Zealand Breakers. He was released from the remainder of his contract on 15 April 2022 under mutual consent. In 22 games, he averaged 17.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Saski Baskonia (2022) On 15 April 2022, Wetzell signed with Saski Baskonia of the Liga ACB until the end of the 2022–23 season.

Alba Berlin (2022–2025) On 26 July 2022, Wetzell signed with Alba Berlin of the Basketball Bundesliga.

Akita Northern Happinets (2025–present) On 19 July 2025, Wetzell signed with the Akita Northern Happinets of the Japanese B.League.

National team career In 2017, Wetzell was named to the New Zealand Select Team that played in a tournament in China. He has also competed for the New Zealand U19 Team, also known as the Tall Blacks.

In November 2025, Wetzell was named in the Tall Blacks squad for the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. In February 2026, he was named in the squad for two more Asian qualifiers.

Career statistics

EuroLeague

Domestic leagues Year Team League

College NCAA Division I

NCAA Division II

Personal life Wetzell is of Samoan and German descent. He is the son of Jenny and Clem Wetzell, who travelled to see him play 12 games at San Diego State. He is the younger brother of television journalist and presenter Pippa Wetzell.