With Tyran Stokes uncertain, Kansas could eye Tounde Yessoufou, a freshman scoring sensation ready to attack downhill and fill the offensive void.
Kansas Basketball Transfer Portal: Tounde Yessoufou Could Be Top Backup Plan if Tyran Stokes Chooses Elsewhere
Kansas is still swinging big for Tyran Stokes, but the reality is simple. You need a backup plan in the portal, and Tounde Yessoufou might be the perfect one.
Yessoufou just entered the portal late, and this is the type of move that can shift things quickly for Bill Self. He is coming off a strong freshman year at Baylor Bears men's basketball where he averaged 17.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 46.5 percent from the field. That kind of production jumps out immediately, especially for a freshman.
The appeal is pretty obvious. He is a bucket getter. Kansas needs more guys who can create offense, and Yessoufou fits that right away. He plays aggressive, attacks downhill, and is not afraid of the moment. That translates.
Now, he is not perfect. The three point shot is still developing at 29.3 percent, and that is something that would need to improve in Kansas’ system. But the upside is real, and that is what makes this such an interesting option if Stokes does not happen.
There is also some familiarity here. Kansas recruited Yessoufou heavily out of high school, and he already has respect for the program. He has talked about Bill Self, the fanbase, and the history. That matters when you are trying to win a portal battle.
It will not be easy though. Programs like Kentucky and UCLA are expected to be involved, so this is not just going to fall into Kansas’ lap.
As for what Kansas has done so far, it has been a solid start but not complete. Keanu Dawes brings versatility and size to the frontcourt, and Leroy Blyden Jr. gives them a proven scorer and playmaker in the backcourt. But there is still room for another impact piece.
That is where this comes in. If Kansas misses on Stokes, going after Yessoufou feels like the move. He is not just a fallback option, he is a real piece who could step in and produce right away.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!