BYU Basketball Recruiting: 2021 Forward Fousseyni Traore Signs with BYU

BYU added another piece to its 2021 recruiting class with the signing of Wasatch Academy Forward Fousseyni Traore.

Traore also announced the commitment via his Instagram with the following message:

First, I want to thank God for the opportunity to come to America and have a chance to fulfill my dreams. I want to thank my AAU coaches, and high school coaches for helping me develop as a player. I want to thank all the teachers at Wasatch that helped me in school and learn English. I want to thank the support group I have here in Utah especially the Zetner Family,Saunders family, Clayton Family, and everyone from the Jimmer Elite Family. Lastly, I want to thank my parents for everything they have done for me since I was born and sacrificing so much so I can live out my dreams! For having trust in me to make this journey to America and for their continuous prayers! I Am very excited to say that I will be playing for Mark Pope and attending BYU!! 110% committed!!!

Traore is from Bamako, Mali and stands at 6-foot-7, 235 pounds with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He averaged 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1 steal per game for Wasatch Academy this past season. He also had a scholarship offer from Seton Hall.

Traore is a physical, athletic presence who controls the paint at Wasatch and at the AAU level. He also has range out to the 3-point line, which will give him versatility at BYU. With his strength, athleticism and wingspan, he is someone who is projects as a 4 while at BYU. He is still a bit raw, but he has the measureables and physicality to be a force for BYU during his career. According to BYU’s official release, he came to the USA in 2018 and speaks 3 languages — Bambara, French and English

Traore will be the second player from Africa on BYU’s roster when he joins next season, along with forward Gideon George.

You can watch highlights from Traore below.