NBA Draft: Can Tounde Yessoufou Replace VJ Edgecombe at Baylor?

Fundamentally, he and Edgecombe are different players. Though there’s a chance Yessoufou could certainly add some of the production lost from Edgecombe’s drafting by the 76ers.

Both players thrive with high-flying athleticism and physical tools, with Yessoufou being bulkier and standing more as a legit wing than the now-76ers hybrid.

The defensive end of the court is where Yessoufou will be able to make his mark, and stamp himself similarly to Edgecombe. Last season, Edgecombe was able to nab 2.1 steals per game and 0.6 blocks, cementing himself as a true defensive play-maker. 

Yessoufou should be the same, if not even better on that end of the floor with solid movement and the instincts to nab a similar amount of stocks. 

Offensively is where the two divert. Edgecombe showed obviously talent in this area, scoring in double-figures while thriving in a few areas and growing in others. While Yessoufou could do the same with a strong frame and athleticism, he’s much more a work in progress.

To this point, NBA decision-makers will likely be less keen on seeing the pure offensive numbers, opposed to learning just how he'll score. How he scores — be it on or off the ball, in the full and half-court — will directly affect his stock.

Baylor is certainly hoping Yessoufou can replicate Edgecombe's 15.0 points per game,

If he can Yessoufou could very well lock himself into the top-10 at the 2026 NBA Draft. If not, he could see his stock fall due to questions about just how impactful he can be at the next level.