EL PASO, Texas – UTEP men’s basketball took a major step toward competing in the Mountain West Conference Sunday when head coach Joe Golding confirmed the signing of 6‑foot‑10 forward Youssouf Traore. The Mali native arrives with professional experience in Spain’s top league and a résumé of international success that should translate well to the college game.
International pedigree and proven production
Traore spent the last three seasons with Casademont Zaragoza in Spain’s Liga Endesa, one of Europe’s premier professional leagues. Prior to that he honed his skills in the FC Barcelona youth system, averaging 11.7 points and 12.7 rebounds for the club’s U‑18 squad in the 2022‑23 season.
On the international stage, Traore has been a dominant force for Mali. He was named tournament MVP after helping the Mali U‑18 team capture the 2024 FIBA AfroBasket championship, posting 12.8 points, 16.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while recording a double‑double in every contest. In the title game against Cameroon he posted 15 points and 14 rebounds.
The following year he led Mali at the 2025 FIBA U‑19 World Cup in Switzerland, topping the team in scoring (17.1 points), rebounding (9.3) and assists (2.6) while shooting an efficient 57.5 percent from the field. He logged four double‑doubles in seven games, including a tournament‑high 27 points and 12 rebounds versus Argentina.
What Traore brings to the Miners
“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 the Miners a much‑needed physical presence in the paint as they embark on their first season in a more competitive league.
UTEP’s roster, already stacked with local talent, will now feature a player who can protect the rim, rebound aggressively and stretch the defense with his mobility. Traore’s experience against seasoned professionals in Spain should help him adjust quickly to the faster pace and higher physicality of Division I basketball.
Looking ahead
Golding and his staff expect Traore to compete for a starting role early in the season. The Miners will face a slate of Mountain West opponents that includes traditional powerhouses such as San Diego State and Boise State. Adding a player of Traore’s caliber signals UTEP’s commitment to building a competitive program that can contend for conference honors and postseason play.
Fans in El Paso are eager to see the new recruit in action, especially after a challenging inaugural Mountain West schedule. The university’s athletic department plans a series of community events and meet‑and‑greets to introduce Traore to the local fan base, reinforcing the strong ties between the Miners and the city.
With the signing complete, UTEP’s basketball program looks poised to make a splash in the Mountain West, and Traore’s arrival may be the catalyst that propels the Miners toward a successful inaugural season.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
