5-star small ahead Tounde Yessoufou dedicated to Baylor on Wednesday, giving head coach Scott Drew his fifth consecutive recruiting class with a five-star prospect. Yessoufou, 18, selected the Bears over Arizona State and USC after visiting the Baylor campus in August.
5-star recruit Tounde Yessoufou moved to the US from Benin, Africa, on the age of 15
“Actually, it felt like residence,” Yessoufou informed ESPN. “It’s a small, tight-knit group the place everybody genuinely cares for one another. I can concentrate on myself and my objectives with out distractions, and their sturdy religion in God actually stood out to me.
“This system felt particular due to their model of play and profitable spirit. They’ve persistently been champions, and I used to be impressed by their two freshmen, who’ve an actual shot at getting drafted this yr.”
Yessoufou got here to the US from Benin, Africa, on the age of 15. Throughout his go to to the Baylor campus, he was in awe of Drew’s teaching and developmental program. The 6-foot-5 Beninese hooper stated he believes Drew will assist him attain his aim of enjoying within the NBA.
5⭐️ Tounde Yessoufou (no. 18 ESPN 100) has dedicated to Baylor 🐻 #SicEm@ToundeYessoufou | @BaylorMBB pic.twitter.com/xBJYYjdgD3
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) October 2, 2024
“I chosen Scott Drew as a result of he appears genuine,” he stated. “Whereas different colleges had their deserves, I belief my instincts, and his observe file speaks for itself. He’s been at Baylor for over 23 years, which suggests loads to me. He is aware of what it takes to be a winner and a champion. Watching their apply confirmed me how a lot belief he has in his gamers, pushing them to achieve their full potential.
“Their plan is to assist me develop as a participant, however what stood out essentially the most was how a lot they consider I could make a big effect on this system with my protection and scoring capability. I actually consider Baylor will help me attain my final aim of creating it to the NBA.”
Baylor’s backcourt rotation consists of senior starters Jeremy Roach, Jayden Nunn together with freshman guard V.J. Edgecombe
In response to 247Sports, Tounde Yessoufou could have the chance to impress NBA scouts whereas with the Bears. Two of Baylor’s projected backcourt starters, Jeremy Roach and Jayden Nunn, are seniors.
V.J. Edgecombe can be a projected top-five decide. Drew and his employees are engaged on a string of one-and-done perimeter gamers. The present quantity stands at three.
Yessoufou, who at the moment attends Saint Joseph Excessive Faculty (California), is ranked No. 18 within the ESPN 100 for the 2025 class. He’s the No. 5 small ahead within the nation. He averaged 16.9 factors and 4.7 rebounds on the Nike EYBL circuit final spring.
Moreover, the younger standout ranked fourth in scoring on the Nike Peach Jam in July, averaging 21.8 factors and taking pictures almost 39% from 3-point vary in 5 video games.
Though Yessoufou is Baylor’s first dedication within the 2025 class, his signing marks the fifth straight class through which the Bears have landed a five-star prospect.
Edgecombe (No. 3 in 2024) dedicated in January, and Ja’Kobe Walter (No. 8 in 2023), Keyonte George (No. 6 in 2022) and Kendall Brown (No. 17 in 2021) signed within the three earlier courses.
