As the college basketball season approaches, anticipation builds around the new wave of freshmen poised to impact the Big 12 conference. Among these rising talents, Tounde Yessoufou, an incoming Baylor Bear, has attracted significant attention for his potential to become a standout player. This 6-foot-6 small forward from Santa Maria, California, is considered one of the top recruits in the country for 2025, making him an exciting prospect for Baylor basketball and fans eager to see if he can follow in the footsteps of players like Anthony Edwards.

A Top Recruit with Proven Skills and Physicality

Yessoufou comes to Baylor as the No. 2 small forward and No. 14 overall player nationally in the 2025 class, emerging as the centerpiece of Scott Drew’s recruiting efforts this season. At St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, he showcased a versatile and physical style of play that has drawn comparisons with previous Baylor forwards who successfully transitioned to professional careers. His strength and ability to score inside make him a formidable presence both offensively and defensively.

His performance at Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp highlighted his relentless playing style and recent improvements in perimeter shooting. As Jacob Myers noted,

“Tounde Yessoufou showcased his unrelenting style of play at Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero Elite Camp. The rising Baylor freshman has made noticeable strides with his perimeter shooting over the past 12 months.”

—Jacob Myers, Basketball Analyst

Building on a Solid Foundation for a Complete Game

Even before stepping on the college court, Yessoufou possesses a polished skill set. He is capable of scoring in the midrange, rebounding with tenacity, and facilitating plays, which points to a well-rounded game. However, one area attracting close scrutiny is his outside shooting, a critical skill that scouts expect him to develop further for success in today’s evolving basketball landscape.

Continuous work on expanding his shooting range will be essential not only for his collegiate impact but also for his potential NBA career. Scott Drew’s program is well-regarded for maximizing player development, often turning promising recruits into professional-caliber athletes. Past Bears such as Ja’Kobe Walter, Davion Mitchell, and VJ Edgecomb illustrate this pathway, and Yessoufou fits this mold perfectly with his combination of size, strength, and emerging shooting ability.

Scott Drew’s Role in Unlocking Yessoufou’s Potential

Scott Drew’s reputation as a developer of talent will be crucial for Yessoufou’s growth. With a player already this advanced by draft standards, the Baylor coaching staff’s guidance could enhance his capabilities considerably. This progression not only benefits Yessoufou individually but also increases Baylor’s chances of making a significant push in March, as the Bears look to build on their competitive Big 12 stature with a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

The addition of Yessoufou represents a potential turning point for the Baylor Bears, as his impact may inspire a deeper postseason run and further strengthen the team’s roster depth. His arrival corresponds with high hopes for both immediate influence and long-term success, showing promise for Baylor basketball’s future as it nurtures elite-level talent.