Pirate Preview: Yacine Toumi

Published: Friday, September 13, 2024

by CJ Weipz

Indiana is widely regarded as the college basketball state. From the historic Bob Knight-led Indiana Hoosiers to the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse and the modern-day powerhouse of the Purdue Boilermakers, the Hoosier State boasts a basketball legacy all its own. But tucked away in the southwest corner of the state lies a small town with an even smaller school that has produced one of Seton Hall’s most intriguing transfers this year.

Yacine Toumi entered the transfer portal on April 23 after leading the Evansville Purple Aces to their best season in six years. Toumi, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged just under 11 points per game while grabbing 6.5 rebounds per outing, leading the Purple Aces and ranking 11th in the Missouri Valley Conference.

David Ragland and his staff praised Toumi’s leadership during his two years with Evansville. According to Courier Press writer Anthony Kristensen, Ragland, after a tough win over Illinois State, said, “I love Yacine, man. We’ve got a great relationship... That relationship has been really important throughout stretches this year, and today was just as important.”

Just over two months after entering the portal, Toumi announced his commitment to Seton Hall, marking the third transfer for the Meudon native. His final year of eligibility will be spent on a Pirates team that desperately needs depth in the frontcourt—a role Toumi is well-suited to fill.

Toumi brings something the Pirates haven’t seen from a big man in a while: speed. In isolation situations, he has an incredibly quick first step, making it easy for him to get to the basket against larger, slower big men—a type the Big East has in abundance. Toumi is also a standout in transition, scoring 11% of his buckets on the break.

While some may suggest sagging off Toumi, that’s not a viable option. Though he shot just 5-for-21 from beyond the arc last year, his midrange game is his true strength. He made 49% of his shots from the elbows, which accounted for over a quarter of his total scoring. Toumi also possesses great court vision, averaging 1.6 assists per game in his final year at Evansville, showcasing his high basketball IQ.

His dynamic offensive skill set, especially in pick-and-roll situations, will make Holloway’s job easier. Expect to see more clear-out opportunities and isolation plays for Toumi, similar to how K.C. Ndefo was utilized in 2022.

Yacine Toumi’s journey has been long and filled with twists and turns. As he arrives in South Orange for his final stop, he’ll be in a situation that requires his rebounding prowess while also taking advantage of his rare combination of speed and interior offensive presence.

The Pirates face an uphill battle in a stacked Big East conference, and Toumi’s play—whether starting or coming off the bench—will be a key piece to the puzzle of their success in the upcoming season.

CJ Weipz is an Assistant Sports Director at WSOU 89.5 and can be reached at christopher.weipz@student.shu.edu. 

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