Report: Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou to remain in 2026 NBA draft

Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou will reportedly remain in the 2026 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, according to Aaron Heisen of the Orange County Register.

The news was first reported by Recruit News on X.

Yessoufou was an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, averaging 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, two steals and 1.6 assists while shooting 46.5% from the field in 34 games with the Bears. He set the program single-season freshman scoring record with 605 points.

The 6-foot-5 guard registered 12 20-point games, including a season-high 37 points and six rebounds on Feb. 10 in a loss to No. 22 BYU, which was the most points scored by a Bears freshman since March 2008. His 37 points were the most by any Baylor player against a ranked opponent.

Yessoufou declared for the draft on April 10 and later entered the transfer portal to maintain his options for next season. He will now turn his full attention to the draft after one year in college, focusing on preparing for workouts and interviews.

The 19-year-old is currently projected to be a second-round pick because of his ability to score from virtually all over the court. He brings good size to the next level at 215 pounds, enabling him to finish in the paint and defend multiple positions.

Yessoufou will have the opportunity to improve his stock throughout the predraft process. He projects to be among the prospects invited to the draft combine or G League combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: NBA rumors: Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou to remain in draft