Yves Missi Bio
Yves Thierry Missi, born on 14 May 2004, is a Cameroonian professional basketball player who plays as a center for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association. Standing at 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) and listed at 235 lb (107 kg), he has quickly established himself as a promising young talent after just one season of college basketball. He was selected 21st overall by the Pelicans in the 2024 NBA draft and earned a place on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Yves Thierry Missi was born in Brussels, Belgium, on 14 May 2004, and grew up in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He is a Cameroonian citizen and is eligible to also apply for citizenship in Belgium, the country of his birth. In 2021, he moved to the United States to pursue basketball at a higher competitive level, beginning his American journey at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Maryland.
Missi later transferred to Prolific Prep in Napa, California, where he continued to develop his game. At Prolific Prep, he averaged 9.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, showcasing the rim-protecting and rebounding instincts that would later define his professional profile. He also competed in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League with the PSA Cardinals, where he posted averages of 12.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.
As a highly regarded recruit, Missi was ranked as the second-best player in California, the 13th-best player nationally, and the third-best center in his class by ESPN. He participated in the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit and won The Grind Session World Championship with Prolific Prep, earning a place at the GEICO High School Nationals. He committed to Baylor and reclassified to join the program for the 2023-24 season.
Path to Basketball
Yves Thierry Missi’s path to professional basketball began in earnest when he moved to the United States in 2021, transitioning from a promising young player in Cameroon to a top-tier high school prospect in the American prep system. His time at West Nottingham Academy and Prolific Prep gave him the exposure and competition he needed to attract national attention.
His performances in the Nike Hoop Summit and in the EYBL helped cement his status as a five-star recruit. By the time he reclassified and enrolled at Baylor, Missi was widely viewed as one of the most athletic and defensively gifted big men in his class, with the size and mobility to thrive at the next level.
Yves Missi Career
College Career (2023-2024)
Yves Thierry Missi made an immediate impact during the 2023-24 Baylor Bears season, his only year of college basketball. He impressed coaches and analysts early in the campaign with his rebounding, shot-blocking, and finishing ability around the rim, earning Big 12 All-Defensive and All-Freshman honors in 2024.
Missi finished his one-and-done college campaign with averages of 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in just 23.0 minutes per game, while shooting 61.4 percent from the field and generating 4.1 free-throw attempts per game. Following the season, he declared for the 2024 NBA draft and received an invitation to the green room.
NBA Breakthrough (2024-Present)
On 26 June 2024, Yves Thierry Missi was selected with the 21st overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2024 NBA draft. He signed with the franchise on 8 July 2024 and began his professional career in New Orleans wearing jersey number 21. He made his NBA debut on 23 October 2024, recording 12 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal in a 123-111 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Missi’s rookie season in 2024-25 was strong enough to earn him a place on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025, recognition of his impact as a young center. On 16 March 2026, he became the fifth player in New Orleans franchise history to record 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 assists in the same game, a milestone highlighting his all-around interior production.
Driving Style and Strengths
Yves Thierry Missi is best known for his defensive presence, shot-blocking timing, and rebounding intensity. His combination of size, length, and mobility allows him to protect the rim and switch across positions. Offensively, he is an efficient interior finisher who converts a high percentage of his attempts near the basket, while also drawing fouls at a steady rate.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Yves Thierry Missi’s signature moments are his NBA debut against the Chicago Bulls and his record-setting 10-rebound, 5-block, 5-assist performance in March 2026, which placed him in a select group of Pelicans players. His selection to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025 further underscored his rapid rise from first-round pick to rotation anchor.
Yves Missi Career Wins
Yves Thierry Missi is still in the early stages of his professional career, and his verified accolades reflect his development as a young center. His selection to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025 and his multiple Big 12 conference honors in 2024 stand as the headline achievements of his career so far.
NBA Highlights
In his rookie NBA season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Yves Thierry Missi was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025, a notable recognition for a player taken 21st overall. He made his regular-season debut on 23 October 2024 and quickly established himself as a defensive presence, posting 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in his first game. His 10-rebound, 5-block, 5-assist performance in March 2026 marked him as the fifth player in Pelicans franchise history to achieve that statistical line.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NBA, Yves Thierry Missi earned Big 12 All-Defensive team and Big 12 All-Freshman team honors in 2024 during his lone season at Baylor. In high school, he won The Grind Session World Championship with Prolific Prep and represented his program at the GEICO High School Nationals.
Yves Missi Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Yves Thierry Missi’s family background is not widely documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Yves Thierry Missi is a Cameroonian citizen by heritage and is also eligible to apply for citizenship in Belgium, where he was born. He grew up in Yaoundé, Cameroon, before moving to the United States in 2021 to pursue basketball.
2025 Season Performance
Yves Thierry Missi’s 2025 calendar year bridged the conclusion of his rookie NBA season and the launch of his first extended offseason responsibilities. Earlier in 2025, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, capping a productive first year with the New Orleans Pelicans. He continued to feature in the Pelicans’ rotation and develop his role as a defensive anchor.
On 30 June 2025, Missi announced that he would make his Cameroon national team debut at AfroBasket 2025. He debuted on 13 August 2025, scoring 12 points in a group stage win over Tunisia, expanding his profile beyond the NBA. His continued two-way contributions and international experience marked meaningful steps in his second professional season.
