Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas

Yves Missi is a Cameroonian professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born Yves Thierry Missi on May 14, 2004, in Brussels, Belgium, he grew up in Yaoundé, Cameroon, before moving to the United States to pursue basketball. His journey from playing soccer as a child to becoming an NBA first-round draft pick was strongly influenced by a family with an extensive basketball background.
Yves Missi’s parents are Jean-Paul Missi and Augustine Annette Missi, both former players for Cameroon’s national basketball teams. He is the youngest of five children and has four older siblings, including his brother Steve Moundou-Missi, a former Harvard basketball standout, and his sister Corinne Missi, who played basketball and competed in track and field at Spring Hill College. Although Missi has openly discussed his family background, he has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Does Yves Missi Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Yves Missi has not publicly confirmed that he is dating anyone. The New Orleans Pelicans center has generally maintained a private romantic life, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Since entering the NBA in 2024, Missi has participated in interviews discussing his upbringing in Cameroon, basketball development, family relationships and transition to professional basketball.
However, these interviews have primarily focused on his sporting achievements rather than his dating history.
During interviews with Andscape, Pro Insight and other basketball publications, Missi has spoken extensively about his parents and older brother but has not provided comparable information about his romantic relationships.
There is also no verified public announcement indicating that he is married or engaged.
Although his relationship status may interest basketball fans, the absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean he is single.
His current romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does Yves Missi Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Yves Missi has children.
The Cameroonian basketball player has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify him as a father.
Most available information about his personal life concerns his parents, siblings, educational experiences and basketball career.
Missi has also expressed an interest in inspiring young people in Cameroon through his achievements in international basketball.
However, his involvement in youth development and community activities does not establish whether he has children of his own.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether Yves Missi has any children.
Who Are Yves Missi’s Parents?
Yves Missi was born to Jean-Paul Missi and Augustine Annette Missi, commonly known as Annette Missi.
Both parents were accomplished basketball players who represented Cameroon internationally during the 1980s.
Their sporting backgrounds helped establish a household where basketball was familiar, even though Yves initially preferred soccer.
The couple raised five children, several of whom eventually pursued educational and athletic opportunities in the United States.
Their identities and basketball backgrounds are documented in the University of Baylor’s official basketball media guide, Harvard University’s athletics records and interviews published by Andscape and The Harvard Crimson.
Yves Missi’s Father: Jean-Paul Missi
Jean-Paul Missi is the father of NBA player Yves Missi and former Harvard basketball standout Steve Moundou-Missi.
A former basketball player, Jean-Paul represented Cameroon’s national team during the 1980s.
According to a February 2012 profile published by The Harvard Crimson, Jean-Paul stands approximately 6 feet 10 inches tall, making him considerably taller than the average basketball player.
His height and athletic background helped establish basketball as a recognizable part of the family’s identity.
However, Jean-Paul did not force all his children to pursue the sport.
In a 2024 interview with Wacoan Magazine, Yves explained that his parents encouraged their children to follow their own sporting interests rather than imposing basketball on them.
That approach allowed Yves to spend much of his childhood playing soccer before eventually developing an interest in basketball.
Jean-Paul also played an important role in helping his sons evaluate educational opportunities in the United States.
In a January 2025 interview with Andscape, former Georgetown basketball player and coach Joe Touomou discussed his involvement in helping Steve and Yves pursue basketball opportunities abroad.
Touomou recalled that Jean-Paul initially preferred Steve to pursue engineering studies in France rather than move to the United States for basketball.
However, Steve eventually attended Montverde Academy in Florida before enrolling at Harvard University.
Years later, Jean-Paul helped Yves navigate a similar process.
In a March 2023 interview with Pro Insight, Yves specifically credited his father and older brother with providing advice during his college recruitment.
He explained that both relatives helped him understand the importance of selecting a basketball program that would support his development.
His father also provided encouragement when Yves encountered difficulties obtaining a student visa to move to the United States.
Missi initially had his visa application rejected, delaying his move to America.
He later explained that conversations with his parents encouraged him to apply again rather than abandon the opportunity.
He eventually received approval and moved to Maryland in 2021.
In August 2025, during the FIBA AfroBasket tournament in Angola, Yves discussed his family’s excitement about watching him represent Cameroon.
He explained that his father had followed the national team’s performances even while working.
Although Jean-Paul’s current occupation has not been extensively documented, his basketball experience and involvement in his children’s education have made him an important figure in Yves Missi’s personal story.
Yves Missi’s Mother: Augustine Annette Missi
Augustine Annette Missi, commonly identified as Annette Missi, is the mother of NBA basketball player Yves Missi.
Like her husband, Annette was a member of Cameroon’s national basketball team during the 1980s.
According to The Harvard Crimson, she stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and competed internationally before raising her children.
Her basketball background contributed to the sporting environment in which Yves and his siblings grew up.
Annette is also the mother of Steve Moundou-Missi, who became an accomplished college basketball player at Harvard University.
Her daughter Corinne followed a similar athletic path, competing in basketball and track and field at Spring Hill College.
Despite the family’s strong basketball connections, Annette and Jean-Paul allowed their youngest son to develop an interest in soccer.
In his March 2023 Pro Insight interview, Yves explained that soccer was initially his favorite sport and that he did not seriously consider basketball until adolescence.
However, watching his older brother play basketball during visits to Cameroon gradually increased his interest in the sport.
As Yves became taller, basketball appeared increasingly suitable for his physical abilities.
His mother’s experience as a former national team player provided another example of what could be achieved through dedication to the sport.
Annette also supported Yves during the challenges associated with moving overseas.
When his initial American visa application was rejected, Yves turned to his parents for encouragement.
He eventually overcame the difficulty and continued pursuing his educational and basketball ambitions.
Although Annette has generally remained outside the international media spotlight, her sporting achievements and role in raising five children form an important part of the Missi family’s history.
Details about her current occupation and other private activities have not been reliably established in major sports reporting.
Who Are Yves Missi’s Siblings?
Yves Missi has four older siblings, a fact he confirmed during a March 2023 interview with Pro Insight.
His older brother is Steve Moundou-Missi, while two of his publicly identified sisters are Amanda Missi and Corinne Missi.
There is a discrepancy concerning the name of his fourth older sibling.
Baylor University’s official 2023–24 basketball media guide identifies the four siblings as Steve, Amanda, Corinne and Claude.
However, Corinne Missi’s official Spring Hill College athletics biography identifies her siblings as Steve, Amanda, Audrey and Yves.
Therefore, both official records agree on the family’s composition and three of the older siblings’ names, but they differ regarding Claude and Audrey.
The available records do not establish whether those names refer to the same person, whether one was recorded incorrectly or whether another explanation accounts for the discrepancy.
For accuracy, the fourth sibling’s name should be treated as unresolved until additional family confirmation becomes available.
Steve Moundou-Missi: Yves Missi’s Older Brother
Steve Moundou-Missi is Yves Missi’s older brother and a former professional basketball player who enjoyed a successful college career at Harvard University.
Born and raised in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Steve developed an interest in soccer before transitioning to basketball during adolescence.
Like Yves, he benefited from having parents who understood the demands of competitive basketball.
According to a February 2012 article published by The Harvard Crimson, Steve began seriously pursuing basketball at approximately 13 or 14 years old.
His parents helped introduce him to organized basketball, and his physical attributes quickly attracted attention from coaches.
At approximately 16, Steve moved to the United States to attend Montverde Academy in Florida.
He became an accomplished high school basketball player and eventually received an opportunity to attend Harvard University.
Steve played for the Harvard Crimson from 2011 to 2015.
During his college career, he developed into one of the Ivy League’s leading defensive players.
He earned three All-Ivy League selections and received Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015.
Steve also captained the Harvard basketball team and contributed to the university’s success during several NCAA Tournament appearances.
After his college career, he continued playing professionally overseas.
He also represented Cameroon internationally, participating in the 2013 and 2015 FIBA AfroBasket tournaments.
Steve’s experience became particularly important when his younger brother began exploring basketball opportunities in the United States.
How Steve Moundou-Missi Influenced Yves Missi’s Career
Steve Moundou-Missi played an important role in introducing Yves to competitive basketball and helping him understand the opportunities available through the sport.
In a March 2023 interview with Pro Insight, Yves explained that his older brother was one of his principal basketball role models.
He recalled watching Steve play basketball during summer visits to Cameroon.
Those experiences encouraged Yves to develop his own skills after initially concentrating on soccer.
Steve also helped Yves understand the challenges associated with moving abroad for education and basketball.
Because Steve had previously attended Montverde Academy and Harvard, he was familiar with American high school and college athletics.
Yves explained that his brother helped him evaluate different college basketball programs and understand what he should look for when selecting a university.
Alongside their father, Steve provided guidance throughout his younger brother’s recruiting process.
In a January 2025 interview with Andscape, Yves acknowledged that his older brother’s experience in the United States helped his family understand the challenges he might encounter.
Although Yves ultimately chose Baylor University rather than Harvard, Steve’s advice remained important in the decision-making process.
The brothers also share the experience of representing Cameroon internationally.
Steve competed at AfroBasket in 2013 and 2015, while Yves made his debut at the 2025 tournament in Angola.
Their participation in international basketball extended a family tradition established by their parents during the 1980s.
Corinne Missi: Yves Missi’s Older Sister
Corinne Missi is Yves Missi’s older sister and a former college basketball and track-and-field athlete.
Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Corinne moved to the United States to continue her education and pursue competitive sports.
She attended Montverde Academy in Florida before enrolling at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.
According to her official Spring Hill College athletics biography, Corinne joined the women’s basketball team for the 2013–14 season.
Standing approximately 6 feet tall, she played as a forward.
During her freshman basketball season, Corinne appeared in 28 games and started eight.
She averaged 3.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest.
Her performances included an 11-rebound game against Loyola University New Orleans in February 2014.
However, basketball was not her only athletic interest.
Corinne also competed in track and field for Spring Hill College, specializing in jumping events.
She qualified for the 2014 NAIA National Championships in the triple jump and earned NAIA All-America recognition.
Her official college records also list her participation in the long jump and high jump.
Corinne’s achievements demonstrate that the Missi family’s sporting talent extended beyond Yves and Steve.
Her educational and athletic experiences in the United States also provided another example of a family member successfully adapting to life abroad.
During his 2023 Pro Insight interview, Yves confirmed that one of his siblings had attended Spring Hill College, referring to Corinne’s educational background.
Her presence in the United States helped establish the family’s familiarity with American college athletics before Yves began his own career.
Amanda Missi: Yves Missi’s Older Sister
Amanda Missi is another of Yves Missi’s older siblings.
Her name appears in both Baylor University’s 2023–24 basketball media guide and Corinne Missi’s official Spring Hill College biography.
These records establish her family relationship with Yves and his other siblings.
However, unlike Steve and Corinne, Amanda has not been extensively featured in major sports reporting about the Missi family.
Reliable sources provide limited information about her education, occupation and personal interests.
There is also no sufficiently verified public information indicating whether Amanda pursued competitive basketball or another sport.
Although the family’s athletic background is well documented, it would be speculative to assume that every sibling followed the same sporting career path.
As of now, Amanda is publicly identified as one of Yves Missi’s older sisters, while additional biographical details remain private.
Claude or Audrey Missi: Yves Missi’s Fourth Older Sibling
The name of Yves Missi’s fourth older sibling is reported differently in two official university publications.
Baylor University’s 2023–24 men’s basketball media guide identifies Claude as one of Yves’s four older siblings.
However, Spring Hill College’s 2013–14 athletics biography for Corinne Missi names Audrey among her siblings instead.
Both records identify the same parents, Jean-Paul and Annette Missi, and list Steve and Amanda as siblings.
The discrepancy therefore concerns one name within an otherwise consistent family record.
It is possible that the difference reflects a name variation, an editorial mistake or another circumstance, but no reliable public source has established the explanation.
Neither university biography provides additional details about this sibling’s education, occupation or personal life.
Until the discrepancy is clarified, it would be inaccurate to present Claude or Audrey as definitively the correct name or to treat them as two separate siblings.
What is confirmed is that Yves Missi has four older siblings in total.
Yves Missi’s Family Basketball Background
Basketball has been part of the Missi family’s history for several generations.
Both Jean-Paul and Annette Missi represented Cameroon internationally during the 1980s.
Their eldest son, Steve Moundou-Missi, followed their example by becoming an accomplished college and professional basketball player.
Corinne Missi also pursued college basketball and track and field in the United States.
Despite this sporting tradition, Yves initially preferred soccer while growing up in Cameroon.
In an interview with Wacoan Magazine, he explained that soccer was the most popular sport among children in his hometown.
He particularly admired Cameroonian soccer legend Samuel Eto’o and later became a supporter of Lionel Messi.
Basketball only became a serious interest during his teenage years.
According to a 2024 CBS Sports profile, Missi attended the Why Not Me basketball camp organized in Yaoundé in 2019.
The camp helped introduce him to an environment where coaches could evaluate his potential.
As Missi grew taller and gained experience, basketball gradually became his principal sporting interest.
His parents and older brother provided examples of what could be accomplished through dedication to the sport.
Although basketball had been part of his family’s identity for decades, Yves developed his own ambitions at a relatively late stage compared with many American basketball prospects.
How Did Yves Missi’s Family Help Him Move to the United States?
One of the most important periods in Yves Missi’s development occurred when he decided to leave Cameroon and pursue basketball in the United States.
At the time, he was approximately 16 years old and had only recently begun playing organized basketball seriously.
His older siblings had already experienced life and education in America.
Steve had attended Montverde Academy before enrolling at Harvard, while Corinne had pursued college sports at Spring Hill College.
Their experiences helped the family understand the opportunities and challenges associated with moving abroad.
However, Yves encountered an unexpected obstacle.
In a March 2023 Pro Insight interview, he revealed that his initial application for an American student visa had been rejected.
The rejection delayed his plans to attend school in the United States.
For several months, he had to participate in online classes from Cameroon while waiting for another opportunity.
Because of the time difference, he sometimes attended virtual lessons between approximately 8 p.m. and 1 a.m.
The demanding schedule made it difficult to balance education, sleep and basketball development.
Missi admitted that the situation was frustrating and that he considered abandoning his plans.
However, conversations with his parents encouraged him to remain patient and submit another application.
He eventually obtained his visa and moved to the United States in 2021.
His first American school was West Nottingham Academy in Maryland.
During his early months, he had difficulty adjusting to English-language conversations and the faster pace of American basketball.
Nevertheless, he gradually improved and attracted attention from major high school basketball programs.
His move to the United States became the foundation for his subsequent career at Prolific Prep, Baylor University and the NBA.
How Did Yves Missi’s Family Influence His NBA Career?
Yves Missi’s journey to the NBA reflects the combination of family experience, personal determination and rapidly improving basketball skills.
After leaving Cameroon in 2021, he attended West Nottingham Academy in Maryland before transferring to Prolific Prep in Napa, California.
At Prolific Prep, Missi developed into one of the country’s leading high school basketball prospects.
During the 2022–23 season, he averaged 9.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
He helped Prolific Prep win The Grind Session World Championship and participated in the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit.
His performances attracted attention from major NCAA Division I basketball programs.
In January 2023, he committed to Baylor University.
During an interview with ESPN, Missi explained that his parents and older brother had spoken with Baylor head coach Scott Drew during the recruitment process.
The family’s involvement helped him evaluate the program and make an informed decision about his future.
Missi joined Baylor for the 2023–24 college basketball season.
Despite having considerably less organized basketball experience than many other freshmen, he quickly developed into an important contributor.
He averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 61.4 percent from the field.
His performances earned him Big 12 All-Defensive Team and Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors.
After one college season, Missi declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.
On June 26, 2024, the New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the 21st overall pick.
The occasion was particularly meaningful because his family traveled to support him during the draft celebrations.
In a January 2025 interview with Andscape, Missi explained that he had spent relatively little time with his entire family since moving to the United States in 2021.
Seeing his relatives together during the NBA Draft made the achievement especially emotional.
His parents and siblings had supported his development through years of international moves, educational challenges and basketball competitions.
Missi subsequently signed his rookie contract with the New Orleans Pelicans and made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, against the Chicago Bulls.
He recorded 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in his first professional regular-season appearance.
During the 2024–25 NBA season, Missi averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
He earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors for December 2024 and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
His achievements represented an important milestone for a player who had only begun taking basketball seriously a few years earlier.
Throughout his development, the guidance provided by his parents and older brother remained an important part of his personal story.
Yves Missi’s Family and His Decision to Represent Cameroon
Although Yves Missi was born in Brussels, Belgium, he grew up in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and identifies strongly with his Cameroonian background.
His parents represented Cameroon in international basketball competitions during the 1980s, while his brother Steve later competed at the FIBA AfroBasket tournaments in 2013 and 2015.
That family history contributed to Yves’s ambition to represent the national team.
In a March 2023 interview with Pro Insight, he expressed his desire to play for Cameroon when the opportunity became available.
His ambition eventually became reality in 2025.
On June 28, 2025, Missi announced that he would represent Cameroon at the FIBA AfroBasket tournament in Angola.
According to FIBA, the decision made him the first active Cameroonian NBA player since Luc Mbah a Moute in 2013 to participate in AfroBasket.
He followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Steve, who had previously represented Cameroon in the tournament.
During the competition, Missi contributed to Cameroon’s run to the semifinals.
In an August 2025 interview with Forbes, he explained that his family’s excitement had made the experience particularly special.
He said that his parents and other relatives had followed the games closely, with his father watching even while at work.
Representing Cameroon allowed Missi to continue a family basketball tradition that had existed for decades.
The opportunity also gave him a platform to inspire young basketball players in the country where he grew up.
Yves Missi’s Family Connection to Joel Embiid
Yves Missi’s family also has an interesting connection to NBA superstar Joel Embiid.
Both players grew up in Cameroon before moving to the United States to pursue basketball careers.
However, their connection extends beyond their shared nationality.
In a January 2025 interview with Andscape, Embiid revealed that he had attended Montverde Academy in Florida alongside one of Missi’s older sisters.
He explained that he had known about Yves and his family before the younger center entered the NBA.
Embiid was also familiar with Steve Moundou-Missi, who attended Montverde before playing at Harvard.
The Philadelphia 76ers star explained that these connections had helped him follow Yves’s basketball development.
Missi later confirmed that he had received advice from Embiid about adjusting to professional basketball.
During a 2025 interview with HoopsHype, he explained that Embiid had encouraged him to continue developing his skills and understand the demands of competing in the NBA.
Although the two players are not biological relatives, their relationship demonstrates the connections established through Cameroon’s basketball community and Missi’s older siblings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yves Missi’s Family
Who is Yves Missi’s father?
Yves Missi’s father is Jean-Paul Missi, a former member of Cameroon’s national basketball team. He also supported his son’s educational and basketball recruitment decisions.
Who is Yves Missi’s mother?
Yves Missi’s mother is Augustine Annette Missi, commonly known as Annette Missi. She also played basketball for the Cameroon national team during the 1980s.
How many siblings does Yves Missi have?
Yves Missi has four older siblings, making him the youngest of five children.
Who are Yves Missi’s siblings?
Baylor University’s 2023–24 media guide lists his siblings as Steve, Amanda, Corinne and Claude. However, Spring Hill College’s earlier records name Audrey instead of Claude. The discrepancy concerning the fourth sibling remains unresolved.
Who is Yves Missi’s brother?
Yves Missi’s older brother is Steve Moundou-Missi, a former Harvard basketball player who earned Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015.
Does Yves Missi have sisters?
Yes. His publicly identified sisters include Corinne Missi and Amanda Missi. Official university records disagree about whether the fourth older sibling is named Claude or Audrey.
Who is Corinne Missi?
Corinne Missi is Yves Missi’s older sister. She played college basketball and competed in track and field at Spring Hill College in Alabama.
Did Yves Missi’s parents play basketball?
Yes. Jean-Paul and Annette Missi both represented Cameroon’s national basketball teams during the 1980s.
Does Yves Missi have a girlfriend?
As of now, Yves Missi has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Is Yves Missi married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Yves Missi is married.
Does Yves Missi have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Yves Missi has sons or daughters.
Where was Yves Missi born?
Yves Missi was born on May 14, 2004, in Brussels, Belgium, but grew up in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
What is Yves Missi’s full name?
His full name is Yves Thierry Missi.
Is Yves Missi related to Joel Embiid?
No biological family relationship has been established between Yves Missi and Joel Embiid. However, Embiid attended Montverde Academy with one of Missi’s older sisters and knew his family before Yves entered the NBA.
Which college did Yves Missi attend?
Yves Missi attended Baylor University, where he played basketball during the 2023–24 season before entering the NBA Draft.
Which NBA team does Yves Missi play for?
Yves Missi plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, who selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
