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BYU Basketball's Fousseyni Traore Reportedly 'Hopeful to Return' for Big 12 Opener

Originally posted on FanNation Cougs Daily
By Casey Lundquist | Last updated 1/2/24

On Tuesday, Jon Rothstein reported that BYU big man Fousseyni Traore is "hopeful to return" for BYU's Big 12 opener against Cincinnati on Saturday. Traore, a starter who averages over 10 points per game, has not played since November. He suffered a hamstring injury in BYU's win over NC State.

If Traore returns to the lineup, it would be the first time that BYU has been at full strength this season. Earlier in the year when Traore was playing, BYU was without guard Dawson Baker who was dealing with a foot injury.

BYU in the Polls

On Monday, the new AP poll for college basketball was released and BYU improved two spots from no 14 to no. 12. 12 is the highest ranking in the AP poll for BYU this season. The Cougars, who lead the country in scoring margin, are coming off another dominant win over Wyoming. BYU beat the Cowboys 94-68 on Saturday afternoon.

BYU is one of six Big 12 teams in the AP top 25. They are joined by Kansas (2), Houston (3), Oklahoma (11), Baylor (18), and Texas (20).

BYU is set to host Cincinnati on Saturday for the first game of conference play. If the teams listed above stay ranked, BYU will play in three ranked matchups this month against Baylor, Houston, and Texas. Houston comes to the Marriott Center in a couple weeks. Iowa State, who BYU will play in a couple weeks, is just outside the top 25 as well.

Below is the full AP top 25.