IOWA CITY -- As he announced on social media Tuesday morning, Manhattan transfer forward Seydou Traore has committed to Iowa out of the transfer portal. The rising sophomore chose the Hawkeyes over interest from other high-major programs like Georgetown, Clemson, Vanderbilt, Florida State, Minnesota, Oregon, San Diego State, Mississippi State, Xavier and others.
Rivals ranks Traore as the 190th-best player in the transfer portal, with a four-star transfer rating. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
In his lone season with the Jaspers, the 6'7" power forward put up 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists over 32.4 minutes per contest. He shot 43.3% from the field, 25.6% from three and 80% from the free throw line during that freshman campaign.
Traore's most productive scoring game came against Iona this season, when he put up 20 points. He also scored in double digits against high-major competition like Kansas (16) and UConn (13) in hostile road environments. His season high in rebounding and blocks came against Farleigh Dickinson, when he hauled in 17 boards and swatted four shots.
For his efforts, Traore was ultimately named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men's All-Rookie Team last season; according to Manhattan Athletics' website, Traore was the only player in the league with 300 points, 200 rebounds, 60 assists, 40 steals and 30 blocks on the season.
Prior to his first year of college ball, Traore played a year at a prep school in the Bronx, Our Saviour Lutheran, scoring over 30 points per game.
Traore is Iowa's second commitment out of the transfer portal this offseason, following the addition of Morehead State transfer guard, Drew Thelwell in April. For now, the Hawkeye staff has just one more scholarship to use in the portal going into next season.
Depending on the decision of Payton Sandfort and whether or not he returns for his senior season, the Hawkeyes may have two scholarships to use, should Sandfort decide to enter the NBA Draft.
