St. John’s pulled off a major coup when it managed to recruit Tounde Yessoufou, who seemed destined for the NBA draft before pulling out just before the withdrawal deadline.
However, some questioned whether this was the right move, with reports suggesting the Red Storm are paying as much as $7 million to get the Baylor transfer to play for them.
Those questions have seemingly reached Yessoufou, who took to X to confirm he was moving to St. John’s and to address a key underlying question about his intentions.
One of the most striking paragraphs from his tweet surrounded the suggestion that he was moving to St. John’s for the money, a claim he vehemently denied.
“I’ve seen and heard the rumors and speculation surrounding my decision,” Yessoufou said.
“The truth is, none of that affects me. My entire life, I’ve been criticized, doubted, and questioned, and I’ve learned to stay focused on what matters. I want to make one thing very clear: my decision to attend St. John’s has nothing to do with money. My decision was based on basketball, development, and winning.”
Fans Aren’t Buying Tounde Yessoufou’s Claim
Despite his denial that this was a money move, fans believe Yessoufou was motivated by finances.
“It’s only about the $. We get it and everyone knows it,” a fan said.
Another one referenced the $7 million Yessoufou was allegedly going to earn – “What are you gonna buy with the $7+ million you’re getting? House? Whip?”
“So you’ll donate your money and do it for the love of the sport? How admirable,” another commented.
“Pretty disrespectful post to Coach Drew. If this was about “basketball” and getting to the NBA, rather than NIL $$, you would have stayed at Baylor. Scott Drew has FOUR 1st round NBA draft picks in the last 5 years, and another (your teammate) coming this year. Pitino has 0,” one fan remarked.
“I love what Coach Rick Pitino has built at St. John’s. His experience, leadership, and $$$ speak for themselves.” Fixed it for you,” another claimed.
Money is flowing in the NIL era, but for Yessoufou, only performances on the court will shut the haters up once and for all.
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