St. John’s basketball fans woke up to big news on May 28, 2026, as Baylor standout Tounde Yessoufou officially withdrew from the NBA Draft just after the midnight deadline and committed to play for Rick Pitino and the Red Storm. The 6-foot-5 guard, who was considered a potential first-round pick and ranked as the sixth-best player to enter the transfer portal this offseason by On3, now brings his explosive talent to a St. John’s program looking to build on its recent Big East dominance.
Yessoufou’s decision came after weeks of speculation. The California native, who averaged 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.6 assists per game as a true freshman at Baylor, had been testing the NBA waters while simultaneously exploring transfer options. His shooting splits—46.5 percent from the field, 29.3 percent from three, and 74.6 percent from the free-throw line—demonstrated both efficiency and areas for growth, but his well-rounded game and defensive prowess made him a coveted prize for programs nationwide.
St. John’s wasn’t the only school in the hunt. According to multiple reports, UCLA and Kentucky were also considered top contenders for Yessoufou’s services if he returned to college basketball. UCLA, in particular, had been gaining early buzz, hoping he would fill a major hole on the wing after missing out on several high-profile transfer targets, including Matt Able (now at North Carolina) and John Blackwell (now at Duke). Kentucky, meanwhile, kept its options open but shifted its focus to Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic, who also withdrew from the NBA Draft but remains uncommitted as of this writing.
Yessoufou’s commitment to St. John’s signals a significant recruiting win for Rick Pitino, who has quickly re-established the Red Storm as a force in the Big East. Pitino’s system has already produced back-to-back Big East Players of the Year and consecutive outright regular season and tournament championships, and the addition of Yessoufou only raises expectations for the 2026-27 season. ESPN’s Shams Charania noted that if Yessoufou had stayed in the draft, he was projected to go 34th overall to the Sacramento Kings. Instead, he’ll be teaming up with EuroLeague point guard Quinn Ellis, returning junior Ian Jackson, and fellow newcomer Donnie Freeman to form one of the most dynamic backcourts in college basketball.
Yessoufou’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Originally a 5-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American in the class of 2025, he was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for Baylor. He posted double figures in nearly every game, including a memorable outing against St. John’s last November where he tallied 15 points and nine rebounds. His athleticism and high-energy playstyle made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a perfect fit for Pitino’s up-tempo, pressure-oriented schemes.
"Tounde Yessoufou will create a dynamic backcourt for the Red Storm with EuroLeague point guard Quinn Ellis and returning junior Ian Jackson as Rick Pitino added speed, size, and athleticism to a position group that struggled at times last season," one report highlighted. St. John’s had also been linked to Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic throughout the NBA Draft process, but ultimately prioritized Yessoufou for the way his game complements the Red Storm’s style. With Momcilovic now likely headed elsewhere, St. John’s appears content with its current haul.
For UCLA, Yessoufou’s decision represents another near-miss in a challenging offseason. The Bruins, who currently have 11 scholarship players on the roster for 2026-27, saw several key returnees—Trent Perry, Eric Dailey Jr., Xavier Booker, Brandon Williams, and Eric Freeny—re-sign, while also adding high school recruits Javonte Floyd and Joe Philon. Four transfer portal additions—Filip Jovic (Auburn), Sergej Macura (Mississippi State), Jaylen Petty (Texas Tech), and Azavier Robinson (Butler)—bolster the lineup, but missing out on Yessoufou, Able, and Blackwell leaves the search for a wing and a big ongoing. The Bruins are expected to continue sifting through the remaining portal players and international prospects in hopes of filling those gaps before the season tips off.
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s attention has turned squarely to Milan Momcilovic, who shot a Division I-leading 48.7 percent from three-point range as a junior last season and is ranked No. 3 in On3’s portal rankings. With St. John’s now out of contention following Yessoufou’s commitment, the Wildcats, along with Louisville and Arizona, are considered frontrunners for Momcilovic’s services. Reports suggest a decision could come as soon as this weekend, adding another layer of intrigue to an already eventful transfer season.
The impact of Yessoufou’s arrival in Queens can’t be overstated. His combination of size, skill, and two-way ability gives St. John’s a legitimate shot at making a deep NCAA Tournament run next spring. Pitino, never one to shy away from high expectations, is now armed with a roster that boasts elite guard play, versatility, and a proven winning formula. Most mock drafts had Yessoufou as a near-lock for the first round, underscoring just how significant his decision is for the college game.
As for Yessoufou himself, the opportunity to play under a Hall of Fame coach and compete for championships clearly factored into his choice. St. John’s has been on an unprecedented run in the Big East, and Yessoufou’s arrival only strengthens the Red Storm’s bid for a third straight conference crown. With the season still months away, anticipation is already building in New York and beyond.
So, as the dust settles on a dramatic NBA Draft withdrawal deadline, the college basketball landscape is shifting once again. St. John’s has landed its top target and sent a message to the rest of the country: the Red Storm are here to stay, and with Tounde Yessoufou in the fold, the sky’s the limit for 2026-27.