Aya Traore (ex GDESSA) is a newcomer at Naft-e

- January 28, 2021

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Aya Traore

Naft-e Abadan (Superleague) strengthened their roster with addition of experienced 37-year old Senegalese international forward Aya Traore (186-83, college: Purdue, agency: Promo Sport ID). She played most recently at GDESSA/Barreiro in Portuguese Liga Feminina. In 20 games she recorded 14.7ppg, 7.3rpg and 1.5apg last season. A very spectacular year in her career as she was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Portuguese League Honorable Mention.
The previous (18-19) season Traore played at CAD Coimbra/Chelo (also in Liga Feminina) where in 9 games she averaged impressive 17.8ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.8apg and 1.9spg.
Traore also represented Senegal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) five years ago. Her stats at that event were 5 games: 7.0ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 41.2%.
Traore is a very experienced player. Thanks to her pro career she managed to play on three different continents (Europe, Africa and of course North America) in ten different countries. Traore has played previously professionally in France, Luxembourg (Esch), Poland (Polkowice), Slovenia, Spain (Olesa Espanyol, Casablanca and Conquero), Ukraine (Elizabeth-Basket), Nigeria (First Bank), Mozambique (Desportivo Maputo) and WBCBL (Montgomery D.).
Among many awards Traore's team won African Champions Cup in 2012. She received also Afrobasket.com All-African Championships 1st Team award back in 2015.
She is close to retirement age as a player. It may be one of last seasons in her extensive career, which she may end at Naft-e.
Traore attended Purdue University until 2006 and it will be her 15th (!!!) season in pro basketball.
The scouts decsribe her following way: A strong-bodied wing player who has a huge playing experience and can spend time in both 2 and 3 positions.