Five-star center Yohan Traore commits to Auburn

Auburn has to find a way to replace All-American and potential No. 1 pick Jabari Smith, the highest-rated recruit in program history.

The Tigers took the first step in doing this Thursday evening, when five-star center Yohan Traore committed to Auburn as a member of the 2022 recruiting class. He is the No. 4 center and No. 15 overall prospect in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He is also the second-highest rated recruit in program history.

Traore was originally committed to LSU but backed off his pledge after head coach Will Wade was fired.

Checking in at 6-foot-10 and 225 pounds Traore projects as either a four five at Auburn. If Walker Kessler does leave for the NBA he could slide in as the starting center or move to the four if Kessler returns.

Traore is originally from France and is the third member of Auburn’s recruiting class. He joins four-star wing Chance Westry and three-star point guard Tre Donaldson.

Auburn went 27-4 last season and were SEC Regular season champions but lost in the Round of 32 to Miami. Adding Traore will be a major boost for the Tigers.