Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor’s standout five-star freshman, has emerged as the most significant offseason acquisition in Waco this year. After spending some time on campus, Baylor’s head coach Scott Drew offered a glowing comparison of Yessoufou to Minnesota Timberwolves’ star Anthony Edwards, highlighting his impressive athleticism and versatility.
Drew discussed Yessoufou in detail during his appearance on ‘The Gary Parrish Show,’ emphasizing the physical traits that align the young signee with Edwards.
“Tounde is somebody that has gotten a lot of comparisons to Anthony Edwards from the standpoint physically, very strong, very athletic. Won the McDonald’s Slam Dunk Contest,”
Drew remarked.
The Anthony Edwards Parallel and What It Means for Yessoufou
Anthony Edwards, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and a two-time NBA All-Star, is known for his dominating two-way play. Drew believes that Yessoufou carries elements of Edwards’ game, especially in his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
While Yessoufou is anticipated to be one of the top defensive freshmen in college basketball, his scoring ability should not be underestimated. Drew notes Yessoufou’s high motor and two-way impact, explaining,
“Somebody that really values the defensive end. He can be an all-conference defender year one and that’s really rare for freshmen, because, one, to know the importance of it, two, to have the physical ability because, as you know, 18-year-olds aren’t as strong as 22 or 23-year-olds. That really, with the athleticism, separates him.”
Adding to his defensive prowess, Yessoufou was one of California’s most prolific scorers in high school. Drew pointed out,
“Offensively, he’s the state of California’s all-time leading high-school scorer so you know he can get buckets.”
Yessoufou’s Background and Potential NBA Trajectory
Hailing from Santa Maria, California, Yessoufou played at St. Joseph High School and concluded his recruitment cycle as the No. 14 overall recruit nationally. This ranking reflects Rivals Industry Ranking’s weighted approach, which incorporates evaluations from all four major recruiting services.
Baylor’s program recently celebrated a historic moment with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, marking their highest selection ever. With Yessoufou joining the Bears, there is optimism that Baylor could welcome another lottery-worthy talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. If Yessoufou continues to develop as expected, there is a genuine chance he might resemble one of today’s elite NBA young stars, such as Anthony Edwards.
Drew summed up his perspective on Yessoufou’s potential impact, stating,
“Really, the ability to be a two-way player and want to be a two-way player gives him a chance to be another one-and-done.”
Why Yessoufou’s Two-Way Game Stands Out Among Freshmen
It is uncommon for freshmen to immediately grasp and excel in defensive responsibilities at the collegiate level, largely due to the physical and mental challenges involved. Yessoufou’s maturity on defense, combined with his natural athleticism, sets him apart from many of his peers.
This two-way skill set aligns well with Baylor’s defensive philosophy and competitive outlook within college basketball’s rigorous environment. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Yessoufou adjusts to the college game, knowing that his ability to impact both ends of the court is what makes him an exciting prospect.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Anthony Edwards get a DNA test?
A. Ayesha stated, “The test clearly showed that Anthony is our daughter Aubri Howard’s father.” In documents from December 2024, Anthony agreed the DNA test identified him as Aubri’s father. He informed the court he was not pursuing custody or visitation rights.
Q. How did Anthony Edwards react to the Luka Doncic trade?
A. Edwards playfully told his NBA peers they should “learn about their own situations” and also shared a message for Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly. “I’m worried,” Edwards admitted. “Tim, if you’re planning to trade me, let me know, man.” He added, “When Luka got traded, it shows anyone can be traded.”