Tounde Yessoufou Shines in Final Regular Season Awards
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025-26 regular season, Baylor's freshman sensation, Tounde Yessoufou, has been recognized with dual honors as Co-Big 12 Player of the Week and Co-Newcomer of the Week. Sharing the spotlight with Colorado’s Isaiah Johnson, Yessoufou's performances have been nothing short of spectacular.
Averaging 23.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and leading the conference with 4.0 steals over the week, Yessoufou has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. His standout performance against then-No.
7 Houston saw him achieve his first career double-double, posting 20 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. In Baylor’s commanding 101-75 victory over Utah, he racked up 26 points and matched his career-best with six steals, all while head coach Scott Drew celebrated his 500th career win.
This marks Yessoufou's second Newcomer of the Week award and his first Player of the Week accolade this season. His record-breaking season at Baylor has seen him set new benchmarks for freshman points (557), field goals made (207), and field goals attempted (438). With 64 steals, he’s just five away from surpassing VJ Edgecombe's freshman steals record.
Hailing from Cotonou, Benin, Yessoufou ranks second in the Big 12 for total steals and third for steals per game, averaging 2.1. He and the Bears are set to kick off the Big 12 Tournament against 12th-seeded Arizona State on Tuesday at 11:30 am CT at the T-Mobile Center.
Big 12 Starting Five - March 9
- Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor (co-player, co-newcomer)
- AJ Dybantsa, BYU
- Rob Wright, BYU
- Isaiah Johnson, Colorado (co-player, co-newcomer)
- Tre White, Kansas
2025-26 Yessoufou Honors
- Preseason Julius Erving Watch List
- Midseason Julius Erving Watch List
- Big 12 Newcomer of the Week - Dec. 8
- Big 12 Starting Five - Dec. 22
- Big 12 Starting Five - Dec. 30
- Big 12 Starting Five - Feb. 16
- Big 12 Co-Player of the Week - March 9
- Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week - March 9
Tounde Yessoufou’s outstanding freshman season has not only made an indelible mark on Baylor’s record books but has also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to elevate his game.