Xavier basketball received unsettling news just before the 2024-25 season kicked off. Forward Lassina Traore, seen as a pivotal transfer for the Musketeers, suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice last Wednesday, as confirmed by head coach Sean Miller.
“Last Wednesday, Lassina Traore suffered a season-ending knee injury in our practice,” Miller announced in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Lassina was a starter on this year’s team. He had a tremendous summer and preseason, significantly enhancing his skills as much as any player in our program. He quickly became our team’s strongest rebounder, low post defender, and shot blocker. He was in excellent condition and set the tone for everything that contributes to winning.”
Traore joined Xavier this offseason from Long Beach State and was expected to play a crucial role for a Musketeers team eager to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing the opportunity last year. He achieved double-doubles in both of the last two seasons and led the Big West in rebounding for both 2022-23 and 2023-24. Traore is anticipated to rejoin the team for the 2025-26 season.
Sean Miller expresses profound disappointment over Lassina Traore’s injury
The absence of Lassina Traore poses a considerable challenge for a Xavier team that faced difficulties last season, arriving at a particularly unfortunate time. With the season fast approaching, there is no opportunity for Sean Miller and Xavier to seek an external replacement for Traore. As a result, current players must rise to the occasion and compensate for his absence.
In light of the injury, Miller conveyed a heartfelt message on X, underscoring the tough reality of Traore’s absence this season.
“There is no silver lining here for us,” Miller remarked. “It becomes our players and coaching staff’s collective duty to rebuild our team. We are prepared to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead. However, make no mistake about it – we will miss Lassina’s talent and presence. No single player can take his place. All of us will need to contribute more, improve, and rise to our respective challenges. We look forward to supporting Lassina through his surgery later this month and the rehabilitation that will follow. And, we will eagerly anticipate his return to the basketball court in our 25-26 Season.”
Traore is scheduled for surgery and aims for a return next season, but this year will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge without him. The highly regarded transfer was expected to be among the leading rebounders in the Big East, and the Musketeers may find it difficult to perform inside without his influence on the court.
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