The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program and head coach Roger Powell Jr. have announced the addition of 6-foot-9 forward Louth-M Coulibaly (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada / Canada Topflight Academy [Holy Cross]), who joins the program as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.

Coulibaly, whose full name is Louth-Mohamed Coulibaly but goes by Louth or Louth-M, spent the last four seasons at the College of Holy Cross.

“Louth had a great workout with us and showed that he has the ability to go along with physicality, rebounding, toughness and defense,” Powell said. “We’re excited about having multiple years of a high-character kid who is going to give us a physical presence that we needed.”

Coulibaly arrived on campus at Holy Cross in January 2021, coming late due to COVID-19 restrictions. He described that season as more of a redshirt year, followed by a more traditional sophomore season, his first year of playing collegiate basketball. After two games and one start as a junior in 2022-23, he missed the majority of the season due to an injury. A new coaching staff arrived for the 2023-24 campaign.

At Valpo, Coulibaly will reunite with an old friend, Darius DeAveiro, who he has known since eighth or ninth grade.

“We developed a good friendship in Ottawa and have a lot of friends in common back home,” Coulibaly said. “We’ve been playing basketball against and with each other for a while now. Knowing Darius was a big factor to come to Valpo along with the coaching staff. I connected well with Coach (Pat) Baldwin and met Coach Powell on campus.”

Coulibaly played in 62 games and made 11 starts over his four years at Holy Cross. He lists this past season’s win at Georgetown as his favorite basketball memory.

“I bring a rebounding ability to the table,” Coulibaly said. “Valpo fans are getting a hustle guy, a good teammate and someone who plays hard and never gives up on plays.”

The son of Adama and Alima, Coulibaly has one brother (Cheick) and three sisters (Sarrah, Aicha and Latifa). He averaged 13.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game during his senior year of high school in Canada, hitting 47 percent of his field-goal attempts.

Coulibaly is graduating from Holy Cross with a degree in international relations and will pursue a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) at Valpo. Away from the court, he enjoys watching MMA and UFC Fights as well as soccer.

“Coach Powell is a coach who keeps it real with his players,” Coulibaly said. “He has a good relationship with his players from what I saw on my visit. I’m looking forward to having an honest relationship with my coach and knowing what’s wanted and what’s needed from me for the betterment of the team.”