Tounde Yessoufou

2027 NBA Mock Draft v. 1.0 with @CBSSports Adam Finkelstein

Sam sees a big, physical driver who averaged 17 on an undertalented Baylor team and now joins real talent at St. John's. He gives great defensive effort but needs better feel and basketball IQ. For Sam, shooting decides it: first round if it comes, back to college if not. Adam expects Pitino's daily shooting work to make this a telling year, though he says it's too early to call it make-or-break. For Adam, feel and passing may be the bigger variable.

physical driverdefensive effortshooting swing skilltransfer

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft | The First Round

Finds Yessoufou mightily interesting: one of the most productive freshmen in the country (17.8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals at Baylor), but questionable habits and on-court decision-making left his stock uncertain. His rise at St. John's will come from how he impacts winning more than from stats, with a projected 3-and-D role with extra slashing.

productive scorerdecision-making questions3-and-D projection

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Calls Yessoufou a freight train at 6'5, 215: a great athlete and switchable defender. The jump shot (29% from three) will make or break his draft stock; with Donnie Freeman out injured, he should be St. John's clear top scorer.

physical wingswitchable defendershooting swing skill

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Admits they had Yessoufou fourth in last year's way-too-early mock and that this could miss too. Loved how much his defense improved — from lost in high school to consistent on and off the ball — but his finishing and shooting were erratic at Baylor with no point guard to set him up. More consistent scoring and playmaking feel at St. John's would justify the spot.

improved defendererratic scorerbetter fit

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft

Thinks Yessoufou has the physical profile and competitiveness to be one of the best players in college basketball at St. John's. Scouts keep returning to his foul drawing, physicality on the glass and defensive motor, and the video says a breakout sophomore season would make him a steal at 23.

physical wingfoul drawingbreakout candidate

Way-Too-Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft | FULL First Round

Calls Yessoufou one of the most physically imposing wings in college basketball after 18 a game at Baylor. The appeal starts with his motor — downhill force, finishing through contact and explosive transition pressure. Needs to round out shooting, passing and defensive discipline, but could climb into the lottery.

physical wingmotorlottery upside

Way Too Early 2027 NBA Mock Draft (Full First Round)

Thinks another college year at St. John's will help Yessoufou marinate: he shoots a lot of threes but hasn't made many, though he's confident, can drive and is strong and athletic. Likes his physical tools and desire to defend at the point of attack, and agreed with his decision to withdraw from the 2026 draft.

physical wingpoint-of-attack defendershooting swing skill