It did not take
Seydou Traore long to introduce himself to Jasper fans.
Traore logged a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds against Bryant in his collegiate debut. Four days later against top-ranked Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse, Traore totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Traore then posted a line of 19 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks and three steals in Manhattan College's home-opening win over Felician. Two games later, he went toe-to-toe against No. 5 UConn, the defending national champions, and logged 13 points and eight boards.
Turns out his impressive five-game stretch – averaging 15.0 points and 10.0 rebounds – to open his Jaspers career was just the start of a sensational freshman season for the Bronx native. Earlier this month, Traore became the first Jasper to be named to the MAAC Men's Basketball All-Rookie Team since Warren Williams following the 2018-19 season.
"It was truly a blessing being named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team," Traore said. "Before the season, I set a goal for myself, and I just worked in the offseason. Even though I fell short on one of my goals to win Rookie of the Year, it was one of the best seasons I've ever been a part of. I give all my success to God and the coaching staff believed in me to play with a tremendous amount of confidence."
Traore started 27 of 28 games that he appeared in this season and was the team's second-leading scorer at 11.8 points per game. The athletic guard/forward really showcased his all-around game though, leading the conference with 1.3 blocks per game (36 total) and second on the team in both steals (43) and assists (65).
In fact, there could be an argument made that Traore was the MAAC's most versatile player. Traore was the only player in the league with 300 points, 200 rebounds, 60 assists, 40 steals and 30 blocks – and he did so as a freshman.
However, where Traore really made his mark was on the glass. For the majority of the season, Traore was the top freshman rebounder in the country before wrapping up the 2023-24 campaign third amongst frosh at 8.2 rebounds per game.
"My mentality when it comes to rebounding is just play harder than everybody else on the court and that's by just having a higher motor," said Traore, who stands at 6-7.
Traore posted 18 double-digit scoring games and 10 games with at least 10 rebounds, including six double-doubles, which ranked third in the MAAC.
From the
highlight dunks to the
high-flying blocks, Traore brought his ability to play above the rim just 20 minutes north of the Bronx where he caught the eye of Manhattan's new coaching staff led by first-year head coach
John Gallagher following a standout showing on the AAU Circuit last spring.
"Being close to home was very important to me and was really a blessing that my family and friends were able to come to games whenever they wanted to," Traore said. "It was also cool to bring that Bronx swagger to Draddy (Gymnasium). Manhattan gave me an opportunity no other school gave me and that stood out a lot. Coach (Gallagher) has taught me a lot on and off the court and helped me realize this is bigger than basketball. He has taught me how to become a better man."
Even after coming off a 7-23 season, including a 4-16 mark in the MAAC, the future of Manhattan men's basketball looks bright under Gallagher, who led Harford to the NCAA Tournament in 2021.
Along with Traore, Manhattan's entire primary starting lineup consisted of first-year Jaspers brought in by Gallagher and is eligible to return next season. For three more years, the Jaspers could build around Traore and fellow classmate
Jaden Winston, who was the only player to start all 30 games this season and ranked second in the MAAC in both assists and steals.
That leaves Traore squarely looking forward to his second season on campus, which will mark the 10th season since Manhattan's most recent appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
"This is just the start of something amazing," Traore said. "We're a young and hungry team that is just going to keep fighting and proving everyone wrong. We're close to winning it all and we will be back (to the NCAAs) next year for sure."
