Coach Joe Golding announces signing of 6-foot-10 forward Youssouf Traore

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP men's basketball has added an international standout to its front court, signing 6-foot-10 forward Youssouf Traore, coach Joe Golding announced Sunday.

Traore, who most recently played for Casademont Zaragoza in Spain's Liga Endesa, brings experience from both professional and international competition. The Bamako, Mali, native has spent three years playing in Spain and has represented Mali at the U18 and U19 levels.

Traore was named the tournament MVP after helping Mali win the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket championship. He averaged 12.8 points and 16.2 rebounds per game while adding 2.7 assists during the tournament.

He recorded a double-double in all six of Mali's games, including 15 points and 14 rebounds in the championship-clinching victory over Cameroon.

Traore also stood out for Mali at the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Switzerland. He led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists, averaging 17.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 57.5% from the field.

He recorded four double-doubles in seven games and posted a tournament-high 27 points and 12 rebounds against Argentina. Traore also had 25 points and nine rebounds against Canada and 19 points and 12 rebounds against France.

At the club level, Traore has competed with Casademont Zaragoza in Spain's Liga Endesa, one of Europe's top professional leagues. He previously averaged 11.7 points and 12.7 rebounds for FC Barcelona's U18 team during the 2022-23 season.

"He's able to bring an element to the game that we need," Golding said. "His size, length and athleticism should all translate very well to the Mountain West Conference."

The addition gives UTEP another physical presence in the frontcourt as the Miners prepare for their first season competing in the Mountain West.

Traore joins a UTEP roster that will look to make an impact in its new conference under Golding.