Utah Basketball Adds Fresh Talent to 2024-25 Roster

The Utah Utes men’s basketball team has added a new face to their 2024-25 roster, and it’s a big one. Ibrahima Traore, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward from Mali, has signed with the team, bringing a much-needed boost to their front court.

Utah Utes logo

Traore, who originally committed to Oregon, is a three-star recruit with an 0.8835 player rating in 247 Sports’ composite rankings. He played the past three seasons at West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Florida, and is listed as a center prospect by 247 Sports. As a senior, he averaged 18 points per game.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Ibrahima to the Runnin’ Utes basketball family,” said Utah head coach Craig Smith in a statement. “Ibrahima plays with tremendous energy and passion. He is an excellent rebounder and rim protector, and has a relentlessness to his game that seems to never stop.”

Traore’s addition is a welcome one for the Utes, who have been working hard to rebuild their roster after losing several key players to the transfer portal. With Branden Carlson and Cole Bajema exhausting their eligibility, and five players transferring out, Utah has had to get creative to fill the gaps.

Ibrahima Traore in action

Traore is the third freshman to join the Utes’ 2024-25 recruiting class, but he’s the only one who will be joining the team this year. Layton High shooting guard David Katoa and Alta High power forward Jaxon Johnson will serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at Utah.

What does this mean for Utah’s chances next season? With Traore on board, the Utes have one open scholarship remaining for 2024-25. They’ve already added six transfer players this offseason, including forward Keanu Dawes (Rice), guard Mason Madsen (Boston College), forward Zach Keller (Wake Forest), guard Miro Little (Baylor), forward Ezra Ausar (East Carolina), and wing Mike Sharavjamts (San Francisco).

Utah Utes in action

As the Utes look to rebuild and make a push for the top of the Pac-12, Traore’s energy and passion will be a welcome addition to the team. With his skills on the court and his dedication to the game, he’s sure to make an impact in his freshman season.

“Ibrahima plays with tremendous energy and passion,” said Coach Smith. “He is an excellent rebounder and rim protector, and has a relentlessness to his game that seems to never stop.”

Traore’s signing is a big win for the Utes, and a testament to the hard work of Coach Smith and his staff. As the team looks to the future, they can be confident that they’ve got the talent and the drive to succeed.