As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, Xavier basketball is grappling with an unexpected and heartbreaking setback. The news that forward Lassina Traore, a player many anticipated to be a key asset for the Musketeers, suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice last Wednesday hit especially hard. Head coach Sean Miller confirmed the news, detailing not just the injury but also the significant impact Traore was poised to have on the team this year.
“Last Wednesday, Lassina Traore suffered a season-ending knee injury in our practice,” Coach Miller noted in a candid post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Lassina was set to be a starter this year. He had a fantastic summer and preseason, showing significant improvement in his skills, more than any player in our program. He quickly emerged as our best rebounder, low post defender, and shot blocker. He was in peak condition and set the standard for all that leads to victory.”
Joining Xavier from Long Beach State this offseason, Traore was more than just another player; he was a beacon of hope for the Musketeers who were eager to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out the previous year. His impressive track record, which included double-doubles in the last two seasons and leading the Big West in rebounding, framed him as a pivotal figure in the team’s strategy. With Traore’s absence now almost certain, the Musketeers will need to confront the upcoming season with a fresh perspective, relying heavily on their existing squad to fill this daunting void.
The emotional toll of losing Traore has weighed heavily on Coach Miller, who expressed his disappointment and the reality of the situation in another heartfelt message on X. “There is no silver lining here for us,” Miller stated. “It becomes our players and coaching staff’s collective responsibility to regroup as a team. We are ready to face the numerous challenges ahead. However, make no mistake – we will greatly miss Lassina’s talent and presence. No single player can replace him. Everyone will need to contribute more, improve, and rise to their respective challenges.”
In sharing this news, fans and players can feel the weight of uncertainty that looms over the team. While Traore is scheduled for surgery later this month, and there’s hope for his return in the 2025-26 season, this year now presents a unique set of challenges. The Musketeers, looking for solutions, must adapt and pivot without a player they had high expectations for. Traore was not merely a player; he was set to become a cornerstone of the team’s identity within the Big East. Losing out on that talent means the remaining squad will need to step up significantly to compete at a level that may feel daunting without him.
As the story unfolds, Xavier’s journey through this season will be a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the collective spirit of a team that has faced adversity head-on. Fans and players alike will undoubtedly rally around Traore, not just in support of him but as a testament to the strength and unity of Xavier basketball. They look forward to seeing their team grow and come together in its pursuit of success, keeping Traore’s spirit alive on the court, even in his absence.
