NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara University men's basketball program is excited to announce the signing of Tahjae Hill and Touba Traore as part of the 2020 class announced on Monday.
"Today is an exciting day as we welcome Tahjae Hill and Touba Traore to our Niagara Basketball program," said head coach
Greg Paulus. "Tahjae and Touba are well-rounded, talented and hardworking young men. We are looking forward to the positive impact they will have on our program, university and community."
Tahjae Hill arrives to Niagara University after a standout four-year career with numerous accolades at Hilton High School in Rochester, New York. Hill was a three-time All-Greater Rochester selection and was voted Monroe County Division I Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Hill averaged over 31 points per game while leading the Hilton Cadets in steals and rebounds as a junior, en route to helping Hilton to a 20-4 record. As a senior, Hill led Section V in scoring with 27 points per game. He scored 25 or more points in 14 games including a season-high 49 points in a win over Eugenio Maria on December 27. The next day, Hill drained a game-winning shot at the buzzer to beat Eastridge. Hill finished as Hilton's all-time leading scorer with 1,953 points, which were second-most among active players in Section V. Hill, who averaged eight rebounds and two assists per game, was named to the Monroe County Division I First-Team and was selected to play in the Greater Rochester Ronald McDonald House All-Star Game.
Hill, a highly-touted prospect, chose the Purple Eagles over Bryant, Buffalo, Cleveland State, St. Bonaventure and Siena.
Paulus On Hill
"Tahjae is a versatile guard with a competitive spirit. He has a strong ability to make his teammates better and impact the game on both ends of the court."
About Tahjae Hill
Place of Birth: Rochester, New York
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends
Favorite Athletes: Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant
Honors: High-Honor Roll
Why Niagara?
"I chose Niagara because it felt like home for me. When I visited, I really loved the environment and things clicked really fast with me and the coaching staff. I love the coaches and they bring great energy. I just felt like it was for me!"
Touba Traore
, an athletic post with high potential, comes to Niagara University after playing at Massanutten
Military Academy in Woodstock, Virginia.
Traore moved from his native Mali to Virginia in 2017 where he started his high school career at Shenandoah Valley Christian Academy. He then played one season at Massanutten High School before transitioning to the prep school.
Traore had a significant impact on both ends of the floor. He averaged a double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds per game, during the 2019-20 season. A rim protector, Traore set the school single-season record for blocked shots with 126, including 15 in one game.
Traore received interest from programs like George Mason, Hampton, James Madison, Longwood, Maryland Eastern Shore, Radford and UNC Asheville.
Paulus On Traore
"Touba is an athletic big with a high motor. His versatility and pride in having a presence around the basket will add a different dimension for our team."
About Touba Traore
Place of Birth: Bamako, Mali
Favorite Athletes: Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid
Clubs & Association: Chess Club
Intended Major: Finance
Why Niagara?
"I chose Niagara because it's a great educational school. It's my home away from home. They love their students and, last but not least, the coaching staff is one that a student-athlete like me would love to play for."
