Top-15 recruit Tounde Yessoufou commits to Baylor

Tounde Yessoufou, one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, has committed to Baylor and head coach Scott Drew, he told On3.

The 6-foot-5 small forward out of St. Joseph High (CA) ultimately chose the Bears over Arizona State and USC, but he also received offers from Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona, and more.

Yessoufou is the No. 11 overall player in the country, according to On3’s Top-150 Player Rankings. He’s also the No. 4 small forward and the No. 2 player in California.

Yessoufou on his commitment to Baylor

Tounde Yessoufou discussed his decision with On3.

“Honestly, it felt like home,” he 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. 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. Not only are they allowed to contribute to the team’s success, but they also allowed to make a significant impact on the program as freshmen.”

What made Scott Drew the coach he wanted to play for?

“I selected Scott Drew because he seems authentic. While other schools had their merits, I trust my instincts, and his track record speaks for itself. He’s been at Baylor for over 23 years, which means a lot to me. He knows what it takes to be a winner and a champion. Watching their practice showed me how much trust he has in his players, pushing them to reach their full potential.”

In his own words, what type of player is Baylor getting in Tounde Yessoufou?

“I’m the type of player that does everything. I am combo guard I will say, three level scorer, can defend really well and one thing you can’t teach is my motor and how hard I play. I will describe my game after these players: Jimmy Butler and Anthony Edwards then you add that with Kobe Bryant’s mentality plus Russel Westbrook’s motor and energy.”

He has a message for Bears fans.

“The big bear is coming to Waco, so let’s make history again and turn the city up.”

Scouting Report

“Tounde Yessoufou is a physically developed, explosively athletic wing prospect. Consistent production is the name of the game for the 6-5 Yessoufou. Defensively, he guards multiple positions, able to move his feet on the perimeter or switch down to guard some on the block. He has the quick-twitch to defend the ball and the anticipation and length as a team defender. Offensively, he has a solid pace and is at his best getting downhill in straight lines. Yessoufou needs to continue working on his middle game and his counters off the bounce. The jump shot is coming along but could also use some continued attention. The shot release can get flat and his balance/footwork get off when shooting off movement. He fills the lanes hard, pushes the break with pace, and is tough on the boards. He has consistently produced in every setting. Excellent motor.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw