Yessoufou Named to Preseason All-Transfer First Team
St. John’s forward Tounde Yessoufou has been selected for a preseason All-Transfer first team, ahead of his sophomore season with the Red Storm on November 3.
Yessoufou earned a place on the preseason All-Transfer first team after a productive freshman campaign at Baylor. He averaged 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and two steals across 34 games, starting every contest. He shot 46.5% from the field and 29.3% from three-point range.
Now at St. John’s, Yessoufou will try to build on those numbers as the Red Storm pursue another strong season. The team has won the Big East regular-season title and conference tournament in each of the past two seasons, reaching the NCAA Tournament both times. Yessoufou is aiming to help St. John’s make it three tournament appearances in a row.
Coach Rick Pitino has praised Yessoufou’s scoring ability and potential, while challenging him to improve his rebounding, shooting and one-on-one play. Pitino said Yessoufou is a capable player in several areas but will need to become exceptional in them to reach his ambitions of becoming an NBA lottery pick.
The addition of Quinn Ellis could also help Yessoufou take another step, as the two are expected to make a positive impact together on the court. The preseason selection recognizes Yessoufou’s work at Baylor and raises expectations for his first season with the Red Storm.