Yohan Traore (21) hopes to hear more from Kentucky coach John Calipari. (Ann Beckett/Marshall County Daily)
Yohan Traore has gone from basically no major college scholarships a year ago to having over 20 now and suddenly being consensus top 10 player in the 2022 recruiting class. The 6-11 Traore now plays for Dream City Christian in Arizona. That’s the same school where UK signee Shaedon Sharpe was scheduled to play this year before he reclassified and now will be on UK’s campus this month to join the basketball team.
Traore has offers from Arkansas, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Memphis, Oklahoma State, Oregon, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, USC, Utah , Arizona, California, Cincinnati, Illinois, Nebraska and Rutgers. He has visited Texas Tech, Michigan, Memphis and Kansas.
Traore may eventually have a Kentucky scholarship offer. Coach John Calipari and assistant coach Jai Lucas were at the Marshall County Hoopfest Saturday night to watch him play.
“I knew they would be here,” Traore, a power forward, said. “I have just talked to the assistant coach (Lucas) so far. I have not talked to Calipari but I hope to.”
Traore came to the United States about a year ago from France and played at Prolific Prep (Calif.) before changing schools this season.
Traore admitted he saw Calipari watching him but stayed focused on his play. He showcased his skills — running the court, rebounding, driving inside to score, and outside shooting.
“I still am not used to all this (recruiting) attention. Last year I didn’t have any offers. This year I am just grateful for the opportunities,” he said.
He says he “definitely” has interest in Kentucky even though he’s yet to get a scholarship offer. He cited the “Kentucky basketball culture” as a big key along with Calipari
“He is a big coach and can make you one-and-done. I think it could be a great move for me. I would like to be able to do that and Calipari is a coach who helps you do that,” Traore said. “I have just kept working and get more comfortable with my game.
“I know I am a better player now but to be honest, I have always been like this. People are just noticing more now. I can make shots. I do run better than most big guys. Running after a missed shot to rebound, that’s easy to do. I can play different positions. We have an unselfish team that loves sharing the ball. That’s the kind of college team I will want to be on too.”
