Youssouf Singaré left UConn as a national champion. On Monday night, he returned as an opponent.
Wearing Wagner’s No. 24 jersey instead of UConn’s, Singaré was back in Storrs at Gampel Pavilion for the first time since transferring in 2025. The Huskies (3-0) defeated the Seahawks (0-3) 83-41, as Singaré scored five points and pulled down three rebounds in 26 minutes against his former team.
“It’s always great to be back,” Singaré said.
His first point came at the free throw line at the midway point of the first half, marking his first points at Gampel since Jan. 2, 2024. With 38 seconds left before the half, he scored again, spinning in the post before dropping a hook shot over UConn center Oskar Giltay.
Singaré was a member of UConn’s illustrious 2023 recruiting class, playing a reserve role on the 2024 national title team. He remained with the team the following season before transferring to High Point University. He moved to Wagner ahead of this season, seeking playing time that was difficult to find in Storrs.
“He’s getting what he really wanted this year… a chance to get on the court and play,” UConn Head Coach Dan Hurley said. “He’s been productive, and he’s an excellent rebounder.”
His outing on Monday was far more substantial than any of his appearances as a Husky.
Although Singaré never became a regular contributor in Hurley’s lineup, the coach remembers moments when his former center stepped up for them.
“He was a great soldier and a warrior here,” Hurley said. “He was a guy that played a role on the [2024 championship team].”
Hurley pointed to two games where his minutes were influential.
In December 2023, UConn’s starting center and future lottery pick, Donovan Clingan was sidelined by injury.
Singaré played six minutes against St. John’s at the XL Center scoring two points on his only attempt from the field and collected a rebound. The Huskies rallied from the six-point halftime deficit to win 69-65.
A year later, injuries once again forced the Huskies to turn to Singaré.
Samson Johnson suffered a concussion early against Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden. Singaré entered the game in the second half after Tarris Reed Jr. picked up his third foul. He put in a seven-minute shift, grabbing three rebounds in a 77-71 victory for the Huskies.
Singaré says he gained a lot from his time at UConn, beyond those brief appearances.
“I have learned a lot, a lot as a man and as a player, competing against NBA players every day,” Singaré said.
When asked how he has improved since leaving Storrs, Singaré didn’t hesitate.
“I think I got better, way better,” he said.
The matchup reunited him with former teammates, including Jayden Ross, who arrived at UConn in the same recruiting class. The two exchanged some friendly trash talk during the game, Ross said, before catching up.
“That’s my guy, man,” Ross said. “I’m super happy for him and just the position that he’s in.”
Ross said that Singaé always brought energy as a rebounder and shot blocker but noticed a difference in his offensive game.
“To see him continue to develop, you know, as a big man to where they’re running plays for him in the post has been super impressive,” Ross said.
Ross said that the two made a connection right away when they stepped on campus. He recalled Singaré as a positive presence both on and off the court, someone who was “always uplifting.”
Singaré spoke about maintaining his relationship with Hurley as well. Before and after the game, the coach embraced his former center. Singaré said that his former coach told him how proud he was of him.
“We miss him. We love the guy,” Hurley said. “Guy was a real UConn man, and we wish him nothing but the best.”