Why Targeting Tounde Yessoufou in Portal Makes Sense For Arizona

It has been two weeks since the transfer portal opened for the offseason, and the Arizona Wildcats basketball team has already greatly benefited from it, solving its problem at the guard position. The addition of newcomers Caleb Holt, Derek Dixon, JJ Mandequit, and others will greatly help the Wildcats establish a dominant backcourt that can gash opponents on the court.

Now is the time for head coach Tommy Lloyd and the staff to find their next great forward after the departure of Dwayne Aristode, who has yet to sign with a new team. Ivan Kharchenkov might leave for the draft despite no rumors about his decision. The stellar freshman out of Munich, Germany, played every game this season as a starter and averaged 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 49% from the field.

Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) looks to pass the ball around Arizona forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the first half of their Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tounde Yessoufou had an impressive season with the Baylor Bears, averaging 17.9 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field. His midrange shot is as good as any player in the NCAA, and his defensive skills complement his offensive ability. Arizona recruiting Yessoufou isn’t too far off, as it offered the small forward out of Benin a scholarship. He visited the campus and even namedone of his top 10 teams, but eventually opted to sign with Baylor.

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Now that he is once again available, Arizona pursuing Yessoufou would make sense given their needs at forward. But how and why? Let’s take a look at why pursuing Yessoufou would benefit the Wildcats.

A Player Who Matches Arizona’s Identity

Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) drives against Arizona State Sun Devils guard Noah Meeusen (15) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images |…

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Publish date : 2026-04-23 10:30:00

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