Yves Missi

Yves Missi's Biography

Yves Thierry Missi is a remarkably accomplished professional basketball player, earning his mark as a pivotal member of the NBA team, the New Orleans Pelicans. Born on May 14, 2004, the young athlete Madd his foray into the world in Belgium but spent the majority of his years growing up in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The journey that brought him to the buzz and rattle of the American basketball scene started in 2021, when Missi relocated to the United States and chose Maryland’s West Nottingham Academy as his new educational ground. Constantly eager to advance and seize better opportunities, he later switched to California’s Prolific Prep, where he outshined others and stood apart, spotlighting his capabilities and prowess in basketball. He finished with a rewarding average of 9.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, a commendable stat for a young athlete.

ESPN added the title of a five-star recruit to his name, a title reserved for players that display exceptional potential. Their rankings deemed him the second-best player in California’s highly competitive basketball landscape, laureling him as the 13th-best player at a national level and the third-best center.

Missi’s journey accelerated in 2023 when he participated in the Nike Hoop Summit, an event that helps reveal and exhibit the potential of young and promising basketball players. Not just that, he clinched a win with Prolific Prep at The Grind Session World Championship, earning an esteemed spot at the GEICO High School Nationals. He also got an opportunity to participate in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), where again, his talent shone as he displayed an average of 12.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game when teaming up with the PSA Cardinals.

With an exceptional track record, he committed to playing college basketball for the Baylor Bears and reclassified so that he could join them for the 2023–24 season. Missi’s talent continued to light the game in the Baylor season of 2023–24, paving his path to the 2024 NBA Draft after his freshman season came to an end. His prowess drew attention and he received a green room invitation, a high honor in the world of basketball.

The career-defining moment came for Missi on June 26, 2024, when he was picked with the 21st overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2024 NBA draft– a testament to his incredible talent and potential. His signing with the Pelicans on July 8 of the same year stormed his journey into the NBA fields.

The young talent debuted in the NBA on October 23. Competing against the Chicago Bulls, he put up a stunning performance, scoring 12 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal in a glorious 123–111 victory.

Currently a Cameroonian citizen, Missi has the choice to apply for citizenship in the country of his birth, Belgium. Regardless of his nationality, it’s certain he has a bright future that will continue to create waves in the NBA and have basketball enthusiasts everywhere on their feet.