Lassina Traore joins Longhorns

Before joining Xavier, Traore spent time at Long Beach State. During the 2023-2024 campaign, Elbee averaged 11.9 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game, tied for ninth-most in the country. His play did not go unnoticed by Sean Miller, who emphasized that Traore would not be easy for Xavier to replace last year when he got injured. 

“Lassina was a starter on this year’s team. He had a great summer and preseason, where he improved his game as much as any player in our program,” Miller said, per the Xavier team website. “He emerged to be our team’s best rebounder, low post defender and shot blocker. He was in superior condition and became a tone setter for everything that impacts winning. We will miss Lassina’s ability and presence. No one player can replace him. All of us will have to do more, be better and step up in our respective roles. And, we will eagerly await his return to the basketball court in the 2025-26 season.”

As Traore adjusts to a new program, he will join a talented transfer portal class. Over the last few weeks, the Longhorns have added Xavier forward Dailyn Swain, Purdue forward Camden Heide, and Florida Atlantic center Mats Vokietaitis through the portal. They will be part of a roster welcoming back Jordan Pope, Tramon Mark, Chendall Weaver and Nic Codie.