Baylor freshman Yves Missi, a projected first-round pick, has announced his decision to hire an agent and declare for the 2024 NBA draft. Missi, currently ranked No. 20 in ESPN's draft projections, expressed his excitement for the upcoming draft process. He shared his intention to enter the draft via text message, stating, 'I'm hiring Wasserman as an agency and I am all in!'
During his time at Baylor, Missi had a standout season, earning selections on the Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive teams. He averaged 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 23 minutes per game.
Originally from Belgium, Missi grew up in Cameroon, where he primarily played soccer until the age of 14. His introduction to basketball came later when he moved to the United States at 16 without prior experience in organized basketball.
In 2019, Missi attended a basketball camp in Yaoundé called 'Why Not Me,' founded by Bouna Ndiaye, the agent of Victor Wembanyama. This experience marked his initial exposure to the sport.
Missi played his first high school game in November 2021 at West Nottingham Academy in Maryland before transferring to Prolific Prep in California.
Standing at 6-foot-11, Missi is recognized as one of the most physically gifted prospects in his class, showcasing exceptional mobility, reach, and explosiveness. He led the Big 12 conference with 63 dunks and displayed significant defensive potential.
Looking ahead to the pre-draft process, Missi emphasized his rapid learning curve in the sport, highlighting his developing skills in shooting and ball-handling. He expressed confidence that NBA teams will witness his growth and versatility as a player.
Missi comes from a basketball-oriented family, with his brother, Steve Moundou-Missi, having excelled at Harvard and earning the title of Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2015.
The 2024 NBA draft is scheduled to take place over two days in New York City on June 26 and 27. The Barclays Center in Brooklyn will host the first round, followed by the second round at ESPN's studio in lower Manhattan.
Jonathan Givony, an NBA Draft expert and the founder of DraftExpress.com, provides insights into the draft process, offering valuable scouting and analytics services to NBA, NCAA, and international teams.
