Tounde Yessoufou, a highly touted freshman for the Baylor Bears, has caught the attention of college basketball fans with his standout performance in practice after joining the team last month. The former St. Joseph Knights star, who committed to Baylor last November, demonstrated his skills during a recent session that was shared by BR Hoops on Instagram, sparking excitement and comparisons to NBA talent.
In the training clip, Yessoufou executed a remarkable jumper despite heavy defensive pressure, followed by a powerful dunk and a sharp steal that led to a teammate scoring. Fans watching the footage on social media shared varied reactions, with many likening him to former Baylor standout VJ Edgecomb and NBA player Anthony Edwards.
Fans Draw Comparisons Between Yessoufou and Anthony Edwards
The remarkable plays showcased by Yessoufou prompted some basketball enthusiasts to draw parallels between his style and that of Anthony Edwards, a well-known NBA star. One fan pointed out the similarity by saying, “Great value Anthony Edwards.” Others even emphasized this comparison further with comments like
“Tounde Yessoufou is Anthony Edwards as Dylan Raiola is to Patrick Mahomes,”
and “Nigerian version of Anthony Edwards.”
Fans also continued to reference VJ Edgecomb, another former Baylor star recently drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. Several supporters mentioned Edgecomb, reinforcing the idea that Yessoufou could follow a similar path in college basketball and beyond. This buzz has led to heightened anticipation for Yessoufou’s impact in his debut college basketball season.</p>
Reasons Behind Yessoufou’s Commitment to Baylor
Yessoufou chose Baylor over other prominent programs like USC and Arizona State, and in an ESPN interview, he shared insights into why the Bears became his destination. He described the Baylor community as “small” and “tight-knit,” where mutual care and focus on personal goals are prioritized. The faith-based environment at Baylor also played a significant role in his decision.
“Honestly, it felt like home,” Yessoufou said. “It’s a small, tight-knit community where everyone genuinely cares for each other. I can focus on myself and my goals without distractions, and their strong faith in God really stood out to me.” —Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor Freshman Forward
“The program felt special because of their style of play and winning spirit. They’ve consistently been champions, and I was impressed by their two freshmen, who have a real shot at getting drafted this year.” —Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor Freshman Forward
Yessoufou acknowledged Baylor’s reputation for developing top-tier talent, and he emphasized the coaching staff’s belief in his ability to make a significant impact with both his scoring and defensive abilities.
“Their plan is to help me grow as a player, but what stood out the most was how much they believe I can make a big impact on the program with my defense and scoring ability,” Yessoufou added.
“I truly believe Baylor can help me reach my ultimate goal of making it to the NBA.” —Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor Freshman Forward
Yessoufou’s Ranking and Potential Impact on Baylor’s Future
Tounde Yessoufou entered college as the No. 5 small forward and No. 18 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class according to ESPN rankings. During the Nike EYBL circuit, he averaged 16.9 points and 4.7 rebounds, competing against top prospects such as Duke’s Cameron and Cayden Boozer. This level of performance places him among the premier freshmen poised to influence Baylor’s upcoming season.
With his impressive skills, strong work ethic, and dedicated mindset highlighted in both practice and interviews, Yessoufou’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the Baylor Bears. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his game will develop under coach Scott Drew’s guidance and whether he can follow in the footsteps of past Baylor talents who transitioned to the NBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Anthony Edwards get a DNA test?
A. Ayesha stated, “The test clearly proved that Anthony is our daughter Aubri Howard’s father.” In December 2024 court papers, Anthony acknowledged a DNA test showing he was the father. He informed the court that he wasn’t requesting custody or visitation rights.
Q. How did Anthony Edwards react to the Luka Doncic trade?
A. Edwards humorously advised other NBA players to learn about their own trade statuses. He also had a message for Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly. Edwards said he was worried and asked Tim to inform him if a trade was happening. He mentioned that if Luka got traded, anyone could be traded.