Drake University Athletics

2005-06 — Redshirted.

Before Drake — Captain of Burkina Faso National Under-20 Team...earned All-Mid State Athletics Conference honors at Tompkins Cortland (N.Y.) in 2004-05 and was selected to the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 3 All-Star team...was two-year starter at Tompkins Cortland where he became the school's career rebounding (515) and blocked shots (94) leader...set a school record with 22 rebounds in a game against Onondaga Community College last season...led Tompkins Cortland in scoring with a 14.6 average as well as in rebounding (9.4 avg.) and blocked shots (54)...chosen an Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar for 2005, which recognizes "students of color who have made achieving both academically and athletically a winning combination"...recipient of the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence...named to National Dean's List...was visible community leader through tutoring in GED program, Pen Pals reading program and College Ambassador program...was named Cortland Resident Assistant of Year.

Personal —  International Business major...born Armel Romaric Traore dit Nignan on Nov. 26, 1982 in Ouagadougou, Quago, Burkina Faso....parents: Bernard Traore dit Nignan and Koumba Kabore...has two brothers: Ismael (31) and Abel (21); and sister: Marie Suzanne (16)...father was professional soccer player in his country...Junior College Coach: John Pijanowski.