Isaac Celiscar averaged 13.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per outing in 2025-26 for Yale as a sophomore forward en route to being named Second-Team All-Ivy. The Wnter Haven, Fla. native transferred to Baylor in the offseason. Ivy Hoops Online recently caught up with the 6-foot-6 swingman.
Ivy Hoops Online: How difficult was it to leave Yale?
Isaac Celiscar: Leaving Yale was an incredibly difficult decision. I would probably rank it as the hardest decision I ever had to make in my life. I valued the people there and the connections I had made over the two years. My relationship with the coaching staff, coach [James] Jones especially, and my teammates meant a lot to me. Those are people I will share a lifetime with!
IHO: What are the differences you have noticed to date in practices at Yale and Baylor?
IC: I can make the slightest mistake [at Baylor] and get called out for it. There’s a lot of similarities.
IHO: Are there differences between coaches Jones and [Scott] Drew?
IC: Honestly, coach Jones and Drew have a lot of similarities. Coach Jones is a little more laid back in coaching style. Other than that, I see a lot of similarities.
IHO: Thoughts on playing Yale this season in Waco in November (Nov. 10)?
IC: I am excited. When I got the news that we were playing them, I immediately let my family know. When I transferred, I didn’t feel like there was bad blood between me and everyone on the team. It was more of a mutual respect between my teammates and coaches there. I’m happy I will get to see them and compete against them again. Of course, I’ll be in different colors, and of course I want to win. Those are my brothers and the love will be there for sure.
IHO: How do you think this Yale team will fare in the Ivy?
IC: I feel they are still in a good place to compete for first place.
IHO: Talk about the composition of this Yale team.
IC: I expect the core of Riley [Fox], Jordan [Brathwaite] and Trevor [Mullin] to have a big year. And the freshmen that were on the bench last year to prove themselves. meaning Courtney [Wallace], Jack [Sullivan], Alvin [Loving] and Daniel [Ogunyemi]. And guys that didn’t really get an opportunity but could play like Jeannot [Basima] when the opportunity presents itself to step up. I feel like they will be a very good team. Coach Jones will make sure they’re good. Coaches [Matt] Kingsley, [Tobe] Carberry and [Brandon] Sherrod all will follow that up. Wishing them nothing but the best!
