Former Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal after an impressive freshman season in college basketball. Yessoufou, who entered the transfer portal at the end of the season, maintained his college eligibility after declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft and going through the draft process.
CBB World Reacts to Tounde Yessoufou Draft Decision
On Wednesday, CBS Sports reporter and college basketball insider Jon Rothstein reacted on X to the news that Yessoufou had withdrawn from the NBA Draft process and had committed to the St. John’s Red Storm.
“A massive addition for Rick Pitino and St. John’s in Tounde Yessoufou. The Red Storm have several unproven pieces, but the talent in Queens is now undeniable. Should be a Top 10-15 team to start 2026-27,” Rothstein tweeted.
ESPN reporter Jeff Borzello praised the Red Storm for securing the commitment of Yessoufou and for the quality of their transfer portal class.
“Massive news for Rick Pitino and St. John’s. The Red Storm had a glaring need for a wing scorer, and they landed a true bucket-getter in Tounde Yessoufou. Quinn Ellis Ian Jackson Tounde Yessoufou Donnie Freeman Ruben Prey Really, really intriguing lineup in Queens next season,” Borzello tweeted.
Analyst Zariq Xavier detailed his support for Yessoufou’s withdrawal from the draft and for opting for an extra year in college basketball.
“He probably will benefit from another year of collegiate development, but man this sucks for the NBA Draft. Thought he’d be a great development pick for a team in the late first-early second round,” Xavier tweeted.
College basketball fan Cameron Waddle was stunned by the Red Storm snatching Yessoufou away from the UCLA Bruins and predicted that his capture would end their pursuit of former Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic, who also withdrew his name from the NBA Draft.
“WOW WOW WOW Slick Rick lands the elite transfer! Yessoufou was rumored to be a UCLA Bruin IF he ended up coming back to college, which also seemed like it wasn’t going to happen for a bit,” Waddle tweeted.
‘Within the last 3-4 hours things changed quickly, and he comes back to school and heads to St. John’s! Also, VERY important for the Milan Momcilovic recruitment as this effectively takes the Johnnies out of the race. #BBN.”
Despite Waddle’s assertion, Rothstein further briefed that the capture of Yessoufou by the Red Storm will not stop them from going after Momcilovic, to further bolster the Big East champions’ roster.
College basketball fan Nic Rohloff marvelled at coach Pitino’s shocking signing of the coveted guard.
“MAJOR STUNNER right at the deadline,” Rohloff tweeted.
Basketball analyst ‘Swipa Cam’ supported Yessofuo biding his time to become a lottery pick in next year’s NBA Draft.
“It felt like Tounde was SLIDING and this confirms it. He’s still extremely raw and has a chance to get back into the top 10 next season,” Swipa Cam tweeted.
Yessoufou was a McDonald’s All-American and was the No. 14-ranked prospect in the class of 2025. In his sole season in Waco, Yessoufou averaged 17.8 points on 46.5% shooting from the field and 29.3% shooting from beyond the arc, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.6 assists for the Bears, earning All-Big 12 honors.
