UCLA whiffed on some big-time players in the transfer portal. They have found some nice role players that will play decent minutes. But they have yet to get a player that can be a good running mate for Trent Perry. Their star player that they brought back at the beginning of this offseason. Putting to bed one of the biggest questions about this roster before portal season opened. But now UCLA is in a tough spot with two open scholarships remaining.
That puts together the fact that UCLA cannot afford to strike out on Tounde Yessoufou. The 5-star late portal addition from Baylor. This could be a great option for the Bruins after missing out on guys like John Blackwell, Matt Able and Rowan Brumbaugh. Allowing the Bruins to put together a good roster with two players that can get you 20 points per night. Surrounded by role players and guys that can space the floor really well.
Baylor star freshman guard Tounde Yessoufou has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 22, 2026
The Class of 2025 five-star recruit averaged 17.8 points per game this past season. pic.twitter.com/onub7TA8x8
Yessoufou is one of the best transfers in the nation. He currently ranks as the No. 3 player available. While also being the No. 5 transfer overall. He can score the basketball very well and plays, tremendous defense averaging two steals per game. As a freshman he averaged 17.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game on offense. He will have three years of eligibility remaining, although he is very talented and could be NBA ready after another year or two.
Best game of the season for Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou
— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) February 11, 2026
Tounde had:
37 Points
6 Rebounds
3 Assists
12/19 FGM
5/8 3PM
8/8 FT
40 Minutes
While his shot hasn't come along much this season, this by far his most encouraging performance, used his strength to create… pic.twitter.com/frlORR6Tdn
Regardless, this is a player that UCLA needs to go and get. Right now with this roster construction they’re a bubble team at best and will struggle in the Big Ten without more scoring. They should have a pretty good defense with their alignment but another legit scorer would be huge for this team. Yessoufou could be that guy that could easily pair with Perry and provide that. So, UCLA cannot afford to let this one get away as well.
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