Traore named one of the top 100 players in the nation by The Almanac

PROVO, Utah – BYU men’s basketball's Fousseyni Traore has been named one of the top 100 players in the nation by The Almanac, a season preview publication compiled by writers from the Field of 68, Three-Man-Weave, Heat Check CBB and Verbal Commits.

The native of Bamako, Mali ranks 99^th in The Almanac’s list of Top 100 players after leading the Cougars in scoring and rebounding last season. He shot 60.7 percent from the floor, 22^nd highest in the nation, and 75.8 percent from the free throw line en route to averaging a career-best 12.9 points per game. He scored in double figures 24 times including a pair of 21-point performances against Butler and Lindenwood.

Traore also pulled down 7.8 rebounds per game, 2.8 of those coming on the offensive glass which is the fifth-best average in a single season in program history. He had nine double-doubles including a 17-point, 14-rebound performance in BYU’s 87-61 victory over San Francisco on Senior Day.  

As a freshman in 2021-22, he earned West Coast Conference All-Freshman team accolades after breaking program records for rebounds and offensive rebounds for first-year players. His 93 offensive boards are also tied for the second-most in a single season in program history.

During his time in Provo, he has proven to be one of the most efficient scorers in program history. With nine more field goals, he will become the program’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (300 FG made) as he is shooting 59.9 percent from the floor in 79 career appearances. He ranks second in effective field goal percentage, 60.1 percent, trailing only Lee Cummard.

Traore and the Cougars open the 2023-24 campaign on November 1 with an exhibition contest against Life Pacific. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Marriott Center.