Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou has yet to play a game in the Big 12, but he is already going viral. A video posted by Daily Loud showed Yessoufou dominating an open gym run, and his athleticism and style of play immediately drew comparisons to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
The resemblance was so strong that the comments under the post were filled with people who thought they were actually watching the NBA All-Star.
Yessoufou, a 6-foot-5 guard from California, is one of the top freshmen entering college basketball this season. Known for his explosive first step, powerful drives to the rim, and highlight-reel dunks, his game naturally mirrors Edwards’ style. In the clip, he threw down contested finishes, pulled up with confidence, and moved with the same burst that has made Edwards one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. The confusion online was understandable.
This is not the first time Yessoufou has caught national attention before stepping onto the floor in Waco. He was a consensus top-20 recruit in the 2025 class and was heavily recruited for his combination of size, strength, and scoring ability. Baylor landed him as part of a class that is expected to help keep the Bears in the Big 12 title picture and among the nation’s elite programs.
The viral moment also highlights what Baylor fans are excited about: Yessoufou has the potential to make an immediate impact. Head coach Scott Drew has a long track record of developing athletic wings and guards into NBA-caliber players, and Yessoufou could be the next in line. His ability to defend multiple positions and attack the basket gives Baylor versatility and energy that few freshmen bring right away.
For now, the comparisons to Edwards are just social media fun, but they do underscore the kind of talent Yessoufou brings to the court. If his game in Waco looks anything like it did in that open gym, it will not take long for Big 12 fans to see why he is being talked about in the same breath as one of the NBA’s rising stars.
Baylor has seen its share of standout freshmen over the years, and Yessoufou looks poised to add his name to that list. The fact that fans mistook him for Anthony Edwards might just be the beginning of his story at the national level.
