When you talk about the most explosive and dominant wings in the 2025 class, few names carry the weight of Tounde Yessoufou. The 6-foot-6 small forward from Santa Maria, California (St. Joseph High), has built a reputation as a relentless scorer, fierce competitor, and one of the most physically gifted prospects in high school basketball.
From the moment Yessoufou hit the varsity floor, he’s been a problem for defenders. He averaged over 26 points per game in each of his four seasons, setting the all-time career scoring record in California—a historic feat that speaks volumes about both his talent and consistency.
Watch his highlights here: 🎥 https://youtu.be/5cd-jFtdLZw?si=rkW23IMu3U7WXsNv
A Big-Bodied, Powerful Wing
Yessoufou plays with a combination of size, power, and explosiveness that’s rare at the high school level. He’s built like a forward but moves with the quickness and control of a guard. Once he gets a head of steam, he’s nearly unstoppable going downhill. His open-court speed and body control allow him to slice through traffic and finish through contact with authority.
In the half-court, he thrives on using his strength to bully smaller defenders, often backing them down before exploding to the rim. His first step is deceptively quick, and when he attacks, it’s with purpose—he’s not looking to draw contact, he’s looking to finish the play.
Scoring and Skill Development
Most of Yessoufou’s production still comes in the paint, where he punishes defenders and finishes above the rim. However, the biggest leap in his game has been his improved outside shooting. Once seen mainly as a slasher, he’s now more confident pulling up from midrange and even spotting up from deep. His mechanics have tightened, his release is quicker, and he’s shooting with rhythm and balance.
His handle continues to improve, allowing him to create off the dribble and make plays in isolation. Combined with his strength, that makes him a complete wing who can score at all three levels—at the rim, in the midrange, and beyond the arc.
A Force in Transition
In transition, Yessoufou is an absolute nightmare. Once the ball is in his hands, he’s gone. His end-to-end speed, agility, and finishing ability make him one of the most dangerous open-floor players in the country. He thrives when the pace picks up—running lanes, finishing above the rim, or drawing defenders and dishing to teammates for easy buckets.
Rebounding and Defense
Beyond scoring, Yessoufou brings it on the defensive end. He’s a high-level rebounder, using his strength and leaping ability to clean the glass on both ends. Defensively, he’s versatile enough to guard multiple positions. His quick feet allow him to stay in front of smaller wings, while his physicality lets him body up against forwards.
His effort, instincts, and athletic tools make him a standout defender who can impact the game without needing the ball.
Elite Tools and Next-Level Potential
Yessoufou’s athletic tools are elite, but it’s the growth in his skill set that’s pushing him into serious NBA Draft conversations. His shooting improvements, ball-handling, and defensive versatility show that he’s rounding into a complete player.
At 6’6” with his frame, explosiveness, and scoring ability, Yessoufou looks every bit the part of a future college star and potential pro prospect. As he continues refining his perimeter game and decision-making, he’s cementing himself as one of the most complete wings in the 2025 class.
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