WVU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ross Hodge announced the signing of Utah transfer Seydou Traore for the 2026-2027 season on Monday. Read more: Hodge announces signing of Seydou Traore.
The incoming senior has a lot of experience in his collegiate career and is coming off a strong year with the Utes, where he averaged 9.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
Hodge’s statement
This is what Hodge had to say after signing the 6-foot-6, 220-pound guard/forward combo.
“We are really excited to add Seydou to our WVU men’s basketball program,” Hodge said. “He has experience playing in several of the top conferences in the country and has competed against the best teams and players in college basketball. Seydou is a two-way player with great size and length who can impact the game in a lot of different ways. He brings a competitive edge and maturity that will be felt throughout our entire program.”
Before WVU
Traore started his career at Manhattan University, where he was second on the team in scoring with 11.8 points per game as a freshman. He quickly proved his two-way abilities by also averaging 1.3 blocks per game, leading the team in that category.
After being named to the All-MAAC Rookie Team, Traore transferred to the University of Iowa. He saw action in 27 games, including 12 starts as a sophomore. The New York native averaged a solid 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
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He stepped up his production in some marquee games with the Hawkeyes by scoring a season high 15 points against No. 8 Michigan State and 14 points against No. 25 Maryland.
The following year, Traore transferred to the University of Utah. He started in all 31 games for the Utes last season, scoring in double figures in 14 of them.
He scored a season-high 23 points against San Jose State. When West Virginia and Utah faced off last season, Traore helped the Utes win with a team-high 17 points. He also had six rebounds in that game to go along with three steals and two blocks.
Another strong addition
With the addition of Traore, Hodge adds another piece to an already stacked roster for next season.
Traore will be able to step onto WVU’s campus and make an immediate impact on the court. He’s also exactly the type of player Hodge needs for his system.
He’s long and possesses the ideal size to be able to compete on both ends of the court. His body resembles former WVU forward Brenen Lorient.
The way Lorient was able to use his length to disrupt passing lanes, while at the same time able to score from inside-out, is exactly the type of impact Traore could have as well.
While he hasn’t been great from the three-point line in his career, Traore is coming off his most efficient season from behind the arc. With the Utes, he averaged a career best 33.3% in that department.
With the amount of experience he has in two Power 4 conferences and having efficient seasons in both years, there should not be growing pains for Traore when the season enters conference play.
Whether he starts or is a consistent option off the bench, Traore will help WVU in multiple ways next season.
Stay up to date with other WVU basketball signings, as well as any other WVU Athletics news, right here on wvsportsnation.com.
