Throughout the summer, GoRhody.com will run a weekly feature series introducing the members of the 2025-26 Men's Basketball team. The series will focus on their respective basketball journeys.

KINGSTON, R.I. - He is the one returning player who saw significant playing time for Rhode Island during the 2024-25 season. Drissa Traore also is the name most frequently shared by other team members when asked who has helped them adjust to the way of life at URI.

Jahmere Tripp mentioned Traore because several of his high school teammates played with Traore at St. John's. Mo Sow said Traore was the person who first welcomed him to campus, and the two attend mosque together. To a man, last season's roster pointed to Traore as the guy who brought the team together behind the scenes, serving as the center for all the spokes that make up the program.

"I learned to get there," Traore said of the leadership role he takes on for the team. "It wasn't always naturally that way for me. Going through the college basketball experience, I've seen a lot of transition. Watching other people, I've learned what does and does not help other people adjust within a program. I put my faith in God, which helps a lot. I believe in being nice to people. I live by principle and treat others the way I would like to be treated."

It is not strictly intangibles for Traore. Last season, he was one of five players to play in all 31 games for the Rams. He saw 390 minutes of playing time, more than double the 179 minutes he played for St. John's in 2023-24. Traore averaged 2.8 points and grabbed 2.6 rebounds per game, and he had a career-best 10 points in an 86-71 win over La Salle on Feb. 15.

This season, he believes his productivity will take another step forward.

"Last season, I learned that I belonged," Traore said. "Coming from another university where I didn't see the court as much, my confidence was a little down. But last season, I showed myself that I belonged. I am supposed to be here. It is not an accident that I am here. A lot of hard work was put in to get here.

"Like everyone, I want to earn a bigger role. I also want to make sure everyone on this team is comfortable. I won't accomplish as much if I focus solely on myself. If we all do good, if we all are working to push each other this summer, that is the best way to set ourselves up for a great preseason. From there, we will see where the season takes us. Everything I can do to help everyone adjust to the system we have will make us better. I want guys to get used to Coach Archie (Miller) and his assistants."

Traore is thoughtful about every aspect of his college career. That sense of playing for more than his own personal gain was instilled in him by his high school coaches. Traore began his high school career playing for Rickey Rivers at the Success Academy Charter School. The time there prepared him for the jump to Long Island Lutheran, where he suited up for John Buck.

"Coach Buck showed us what the next level was going to be all about," Traore said. "His passion for the game is where I discovered my own passion for basketball while I was at Long Island Lutheran. The feeling was gradual for me. Over time, the game grabbed a hold of me. The love for being a part of something bigger than myself became stronger and stronger."

Traore walked for graduation in the spring and will complete his bachelor's degree this summer. He'd like to begin a master's degree in Educational Leadership.

"I want to make the most of my time in school, and I felt like I could do more than a certificate program," Traore said. "I want to start on my master's program so I can take that next step after basketball is done. Having that in my back pocket is important.

"When I was going through school, I saw people who came from where I am from make a difference in education leadership positions. I've had principals and deans who came from a basketball background. They walked a similar path before me, and I saw the impact they had. I don't know exactly what I want to do in the education field just yet because I want to stay in the moment with basketball, but it is always good to be prepared for anything that might happen."

Someday, his path may include coaching as well.

"I love the game," Traore said. "I don't know what I'd be doing if it wasn't for basketball. So much of who I am is because of basketball and the opportunities that I've had as a result. I do want to stay around the game."

For now, his focus is serving as a leader for the 2025-26 Rams. For Traore, seeing the court for the same staff in back-to-back seasons is something his looks forward to. As a true freshman, he redshirted for coach Mike Anderson in 2021-22, then played sporadic minutes for him over 14 games the following season. The 2023-24 season saw the arrival of Rick Pitino, and Traore was one of two players retained from the previous year. He played 6.4 minutes per game in 28 appearances, helping the Red Storm go 20-13.

"It gives me a sense of confidence," Traore said of going into his second year with the Rams. "I know what the coaches want. I know what they are looking for. If that puts me in a position to help the new guys, I'm ready for it. When guys have questions, I can help explain things. I understand Coach Archie and his staff.

"We have a lot of guys who are willing to work. They are good people off the court, which is an important thing. The first step for any team at the start of the year is establishing a mindset of being willing to work hard. You want good people around who want success so there is a healthy space in the gym and in the locker room. That's what I see with this group."

Check back on Thursday, July 31 for a feature on guard Damone King. To order tickets for the 2025-26 Men's Basketball Season, click here.


Summer Series
6/12 - Hinton Brings Strategic Mind to Rhody
6/19 - Johnson Leads With the Spirit of the Wolf
6/26 - Itejere Offers Explosive Presence in the Paint
7/1 - Cochran's Versatile Production An Asset
7/3 - Tripp Ready To Work For Rams
7/10 - Early Patience Allowed Sow's Game To Grow
7/15 - Corey Brings Electric Ability to Backcourt
7/17 - Summer Series: Crawford's Reset Made The Game Fun Again