Rick Pitino and St. John's just made another statement with Tounde Yessoufou move

Tounde Yessoufou withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft and committed to St. John's. He averaged 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game at Baylor, showing athleticism, physicality, and rim-attack ability. Despite inconsistent perimeter shooting, he produced as a two-way guard and can create offensive pressure. St. John's needed another high-level scorer and a player who can take over in transition, defend multiple positions, and bring energy nightly. Additional reports link St. John's to Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic, who averaged 16.9 points and nearly 49% from three. Landing both would create a balanced, dangerous starting group and signal St. John's is no longer trying to catch up nationally.

"Former Baylor standout Tounde Yessoufou officially withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft and committed to St. John's, giving the Red Storm another major addition after last season's Sweet 16 run. The explosive guard had been viewed as a potential late first-round pick, but instead chose to return to college basketball and play under Pitino in Queens."

"Yessoufou brings immediate star power to the roster after averaging 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game at Baylor last season. Even with inconsistent perimeter shooting, he still proved to be one of the most productive two-way guards in the country because of his athleticism, physicality and ability to attack the rim."

"St. John's needed another high-level scorer who could create pressure offensively, especially after showing flashes of becoming a national contender last season. Yessoufou gives the Red Storm a player capable of taking over games in transition, defending multiple positions and bringing energy every night."

"Reports continue linking the Red Storm to former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic, one of the best shooters currently available. Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points per game last season and shot nearly 49 percent from three-point range for the Cyclones. If Pitino somehow lands both Yessoufou and Momcilovic, St. John's would suddenly have one of the most balanced and dangerous starting groups in the country."

Read at Busting Brackets