By Bennett Parker | Sports Writer
Baylor’s magical 2021 March Madness run won over many across the country, one of whom is joining the Bears in 2026.
After two seasons with Yale, junior forward Isaac Celiscar is suiting up in the green and gold, ready to make an immediate impact.
“Growing up as a kid, Baylor was my dream school,” Celiscar said. “I was watching the Davion Mitchell and the Jared Butler and MaCio Teague team. And just growing up as a kid, looking at that on TV, like, ‘Wow, I really want to do that; I really want to be there.'”
Watching the 2021 team isn’t the only reason he made his way to Waco. He is also following the footsteps of guard Makai Mason, who played three seasons with Yale before capping off his collegiate career with the Bears in 2019.
“I talked to Makai Mason,” Celiscar said. “Before I made my decision, we talked a lot. … He basically said that I’m going to play for a great program and a great coach and just trust my work, and I’ll be good at this level.“
Players recruiting players is nothing new to Scott Drew, who has built the famous “Culture of JOY” in his 24 years with the program.
“I know the Baylor players we’ve had have been our best recruiters,” Drew said. “That’s because they love Baylor, they love the community, they love their experience, and they want to see Baylor be successful, and that’s really neat.”
The NCAA championship and high praise from Mason were not the only reasons Celiscar landed on Baylor in his transfer portal process. The faith-centered school offered value beyond the hardwood.
“The fact that it’s a Christian university [was important],” Celiscar said. “I don’t really get to share my faith a lot. But the way I get to just actively seek, actively share, I think that’s just a great part of why I’m here.“
The Yale transfer is a part of the equation in replacing Tounde Yessoufou, who had a stellar freshman campaign for the Bears last season, averaging 17.8 points and 5.9 rebounds with 12 20-point outings.
Celiscar’s 6-foot-6 frame is similar to Yessoufou’s, but there are differences in their game. Yessoufou carried a heavy load for the Bears last season, but expectations will be lower for the transfer who will likely be battling for a starting spot.
In his sophomore year, Celiscar helped lead Yale to a first-place finish in the Ivy League while leading the conference in field goal percentage with a mark of 57.3, earning him Second Team All-Ivy honors. He recorded 13.2 points per game and 6.3 rebounds for the Bulldogs.
He may not bring the flash Yessoufou had at times, but Celiscar is a steady performer, bringing depth to the Bears, who seriously lacked depth last season.
“So far, we’ve really liked this group,” head coach Scott Drew said. “We have more depth than we had the last couple of years.”
Celiscar is a big part of the change. The transfer will offer versatility for the Bears. He can be either a playmaking small forward or a glass-cleaning power forward that can knock down a 3-pointer if needed.
Whether Celiscar starts or comes off the bench, he is a valuable piece on the fresh roster.
“Just being new to the team, being a new addition, I think I can help win and just get back on the winning streak and make it to the tournament and play Baylor basketball,” Celiscar said.
Drew continues to build a culture that still attracts some of the top talent from around the country. Celiscar is one of the many examples on the 2026-27 squad, bringing much-needed talent and experience to a promising roster.
