Yves Missi

Missi is a Cameroonian center who reached the NBA as a first-round pick in the 2024 draft after a decorated one-year career at Baylor. Born in Belgium and raised in Cameroon, he brought elite athleticism, rim protection, and raw physical tools to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Born Yves Thierry Missi on May 14, 2004, in Belgium, he grew up in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He moved to the United States in 2021 and attended West Nottingham Academy in Maryland before transferring to Prolific Prep in Napa, California. He averaged 9.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks and was rated a five-star recruit, ranked 13th nationally by ESPN and third among centers.

Missi played at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit and won The Grind Session World Championship with Prolific Prep. He committed to Baylor and reclassified to join the program for the 2023–24 season. He impressed early in his freshman season, averaging 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks and earning Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors. He declared for the 2024 NBA draft and received a green room invite.

The New Orleans Pelicans selected Missi 21st overall in the 2024 NBA draft. He signed on July 8, 2024, and made his NBA debut on October 23, recording 12 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal in a win over Chicago. On June 30, 2025, he announced his Cameroon national team debut at AfroBasket 2025. He debuted on August 13, 2025, scoring 12 points in a win over Tunisia.

Missi functions as an athletic, raw center with elite physical tools, rim protection, and finishing ability around the basket. His Baylor tenure showcased a player with significant upside despite limited basketball experience. In the NBA, his development centers on offensive refinement, defensive positioning, and providing interior presence as a developmental big man.