AUBURN, Ala. – Yohan Traore moved to the U.S. from France when he was 17 years old to pursue his dream of playing basketball. Now a freshman at Auburn, he was the second-highest ranked recruit to sign with the Tigers behind All-American Jabari Smith.
Favorite movie? Paid in Full
Favorite food? Soul food
Pre-game playlist? Future, Lil Baby
Favorite Netflix show? All-American
Major? Business
Nicknames? Yo Gotti
When did you first start playing basketball?
Traore: I started playing basketball when I was 7. I started playing soccer when I was 6, but I wasn't that good. I was too tall. In soccer, you've got to be 5-6 or 5-7. I started playing basketball at the playground against my friends, and I just fell in love with it.
You grew up in France. How did you end up in the U.S.?
Traore: I was connected to a guy who had connections here with high schools and colleges. He was like, "If you want to get used to the U.S. game early, you've got to go right now." I knew I wanted to go for it, compete against the best players in the U.S. It's a great opportunity to play against the best players and play on this platform.
What was the hardest part about moving to the U.S.?
Traore: Leaving my family. The language. I speak French. Coming here, I had to learn English. We were learning English in class, but it wasn't the same. It was once or twice a week. It's just being comfortable. Talking to everybody and not being afraid to make mistakes when you talk. It took me probably six months. I'm still learning right now.
What was the basketball like back in France?
Traore: The basketball was great. It's definitely growing, too. I feel like more and more people have started coming to the (United) States. But the basketball is great there.
What made you choose Auburn?
Traore: A great relationship with Bruce Pearl. I feel like he put his trust in me when nobody was trusting me. He's a really great guy. He's had a lot of players who have performed well at Auburn and in the NBA. I just feel like it was a great spot for me, especially the way they were using the 4 (position).
Describe Bruce Pearl in one word.
Traore: That's tough. I would say great. He knows what he's doing.
What are some of the biggest strengths of your game?
Traore: I would say for somebody as big as me, I can put it on the floor, I can shoot, and I can move well for my size.
What are some things you're still working on?
Traore: My upper body. Rebounding. Just getting more comfortable.
What's next for you? How do you take that next step?
Traore: Just being patient and trusting the process. Keep getting better every day and keep working. I know one day it's going to pay off. I'm just going to keep working. I know the work is going to show because I'm in the gym every day.
How have you enjoyed living in Auburn and the people here?
Traore: It's been great. Everybody shows love. No matter what you do on the basketball court, everybody wants to talk to you and get to know you. Everybody's friendly. I really like it.
Playing at Auburn in front of that crowd, can you describe that feeling?
Traore: It's just crazy. When you look around, there are no available seats. They support you. They're cheering you on. The fans are crazy at Auburn.