UTEP men’s basketball adds Youssouf Traore to 2026-27 roster

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — UTEP men's basketball has added another significant piece to its roster, bringing in international standout Youssouf Traore.

Head coach Joe Golding announced Sunday that Traore has signed with the Miners.

The 6-foot-10 forward arrives at UTEP after spending time playing professional basketball in Spain with Casademont Zaragoza in Liga Endesa, one of Europe's top domestic leagues.

Traore also brings extensive international experience with Mali.

He made a name for himself at the 2024 U18 AfroBasket tournament, earning MVP honors while helping Mali capture the championship. Traore averaged 12.8 points and 16.2 rebounds per game during the tournament, along with 2.7 assists.

He recorded a double-double in every game of Mali's championship run, including 15 points and 14 rebounds in the title-clinching victory over Cameroon.

Traore continued to make an impact on the international stage the following year.

At the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Switzerland, Traore led Mali in scoring, rebounding and assists, averaging 17.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He shot 57.5% from the field and recorded four double-doubles in seven games.

His best performance came against Argentina, when he scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Traore has also spent time in Spain, including with Casademont Zaragoza during the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons.

Now, he will bring that experience to UTEP as the Miners prepare for their first season in the Mountain West.

Golding said Traore's combination of size, length and athleticism was a major reason UTEP pursued him, particularly this late in the recruiting process.

"We are ecstatic to be able to bring Youssouf Traore to UTEP, especially this late in the process," Golding said. "He brings an element to the game that we need."

Golding added that Traore's experience playing overseas and for Mali's national teams should translate well to UTEP's new conference.

"His size, length and athleticism should all translate very well to the Mountain West Conference," Golding said.

Traore becomes the latest addition to a UTEP roster undergoing a significant overhaul heading into the 2026-27 season.