Yohan Traore’s Collegiate Journey: A Once-Promising Star Still Searching for the Right Fit
Once considered one of the top high school basketball prospects in the country, Yohan Traore‘s collegiate career has been anything but straightforward. A highly touted five-star recruit in the 2022 class, Traore entered the national spotlight with sky-high expectations. He was ranked No. 13 overall and slotted as the No. 4 power forward in his class according to On3 Sports, and many believed he had the potential to be a cornerstone player wherever he landed.
Traore initially committed to the Auburn Tigers, a program that was riding high under head coach Bruce Pearl, known for his energetic style and ability to develop NBA-level talent. Traore headlined Auburn’s 2022 recruiting class and was seen as a potential game-changer on both ends of the floor. But his time with the Tigers was brief—and far from the stardom many predicted.
A Brief Stint at Auburn
During the 2022–2023 season, his lone year at Auburn, Traore struggled to find consistent minutes in a stacked frontcourt. He appeared in 25 games, but his on-court impact was limited. He averaged just 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game. It was a tough adjustment for the young forward, who had dominated at the high school level but found himself lost in Auburn’s system and rotation.
Following the season, Traore entered the NCAA transfer portal, opting to seek a new environment where he could expand his role and rediscover his rhythm on the court.
A Fresh Start at UC Santa Barbara
Traore’s next stop was UC Santa Barbara, a respected mid-major program known for developing skilled players in the Big West Conference. The change of scenery appeared to be a turning point. During the 2023–2024 season, he enjoyed what was easily the most productive year of his college career.
In 32 games, including 16 starts, Traore posted career highs across multiple categories. He averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists, showing flashes of the potential that made him a five-star recruit just two years earlier. One of his most memorable performances came against Longwood on December 29, when he erupted for 20 points, marking his season best.
The Gauchos gave Traore the opportunity to be a focal point, and he responded with improved play on both ends. His performance, while still inconsistent at times, suggested he was heading in the right direction.
Another Move: SMU and the Jump to the ACC
After one season with UC Santa Barbara, Traore transferred again—this time to SMU (Southern Methodist University). The move coincided with a major conference realignment. For the 2024–2025 season, SMU joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) along with California (Cal) and Stanford, marking a significant leap in competition and visibility.
Traore joined a retooling SMU squad hoping to make an impact in their inaugural ACC campaign. However, the results were mixed. He played in fewer games, and while he contributed 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, his impact did not match the momentum he built at UC Santa Barbara.
The Mustangs themselves had an up-and-down season. They failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, instead receiving an invitation to the NIT (National Invitation Tournament). There, they managed to reach the second round before falling in a heartbreaking 85–83 loss to Oklahoma State. While the team showed flashes of promise, the season fell short of expectations for a program hoping to make waves in its new conference.
Back in the Portal: Searching for a Fourth Home
On Monday, college basketball insider Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported that Traore had entered the transfer portal once again, marking his fourth program in as many years. He joins former SMU teammates Jerrell Colbert and AJ George in exploring new opportunities.
For Traore, this latest move reopens the question: where can he finally find a home that suits his skills, offers playing time, and helps him grow both on and off the court?
At just 21 years old, Traore’s journey has already been unusually complex. He’s experienced everything from the intense spotlight of SEC basketball with Auburn to the relative anonymity of mid-major competition at UCSB and the challenges of navigating a transitioning program at SMU.
Despite the movement, his raw talent remains. He’s 6-foot-10, athletic, with solid footwork, a developing jump shot, and the ability to stretch the floor. Those tools still make him an intriguing prospect, especially for programs looking to add depth and versatility in the frontcourt.
Reflections on Auburn and a Changing Landscape
Interestingly, Traore’s first college team—Auburn—just enjoyed a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Final Four for only the second time in the school’s history. Led once again by Bruce Pearl, the Tigers fell just short of the national title game, losing 79–73 to the Florida Gators. Watching his former team succeed on the big stage may be a bittersweet experience for Traore, who once envisioned himself as a foundational piece of Auburn’s future.
Traore’s case also speaks to the evolving reality of modern college basketball. With the NCAA’s transfer portal now more accessible than ever, athletes are moving more frequently in search of playing time, fit, and developmental opportunities. While some players thrive immediately in new environments, others—like Traore—may need multiple stops before finding the right combination.
What’s Next for Yohan Traore?
As Traore evaluates his options, there are still many possibilities. Programs across Division I may view him as a high-upside addition with untapped potential. Given his prior recruiting pedigree and flashes of productivity at UCSB, he could still carve out a meaningful role at the right school.
However, his next move will be critical. With three programs behind him and eligibility winding down, this next stop will likely be the most important of his college career. He’ll need a team that offers a stable system, a coaching staff that believes in his development, and a clear path to playing time.
Whether he lands at a mid-major where he can be a star or at a Power 5 school looking for experienced depth, the basketball world will be watching to see if Yohan Traore can finally put it all together.
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