Fousseyni Traoré, promising Malian center, signs with SIG Strasbourg
Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Brigham Young Cougars center Fousseyni Traore (45) shoots a free throw against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
SIG Strasbourg continues to build its roster for next season with the arrival of Fousseyni Traoré. Following the arrivals of Jānis Gailītis as head coach and William Pfister (6’8″, 30 years old) in the paint, the Alsatian club officially announced this Monday the signing of Fousseyni Traoré (6’6″, 22 years old). After his time at BYU, the Malian center will discover European basketball wearing Strasbourg’s colors.
🚨𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🚨
SIG Strasbourg announces the one-year signing of Malian center Fousseyni Traore (6’6″, 22 years old, 242 lbs, 7’1″ wingspan).
Welcome Fousseyni 👋
📄 Press release available at https://t.co/3tGWCDILKQ#gosig pic.twitter.com/1Xsj0uitEi— SIG Strasbourg (@sigstrasbourg) June 17, 2025
A powerful center with high potential
Born in Mali, Fousseyni Traoré emerged in the NCAA championship with the BYU Cougars, a renowned program based in Utah. Arriving in 2021, he quickly found his place in the university roster, starting 21 out of 33 games in his freshman season and receiving the « Freshman of the Week » title four times in his conference. He was also named to the All-Rookie team for the 2021-2022 season.
Averaging 10.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 128 college games, Traoré established himself as an intense and energetic center, despite his modest height for the position (6’6″). His strength (242 lbs) and impressive wingspan (7’1″) largely compensate for this deficit, making him an excellent rebounder and valuable defender in the paint.
An appealing project for him in Strasbourg
Attracted by the project implemented in Strasbourg, focused on developing young talents with high potential, Fousseyni Traoré chose Alsace to begin his professional career. Sports Director Nicola Alberani showed enthusiasm when announcing this arrival:
« Fousseyni Traoré has a unique story. He’s one of those players who want to prove a lot on the court. He plays with great energy and intensity. We believe he will bring us a lot from this perspective during the season. »
His new coach Jānis Gailītis shares this view:
« Fousseyni Traoré is a player who will contribute to the DNA we want for our team. He never gives up, plays hard and with tremendous energy. […] We’re counting on him and his warrior mindset to win the toughest battles in the paint. »
Having already played for Mali’s youth teams (U16 and U19), the new Strasbourg center will now try to take the next step in professional basketball with SIG Strasbourg, a team in full reconstruction.
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