Men’s basketball adds size in frontcourt through transfer portal

Will Duval | Sports Director

The FIU men’s basketball team added depth into their frontcourt and signed junior center Vianney Salatchoum, as announced by the team’s X account on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Salatchoum, the 6-11, 235 pound Cameroon native spent his first two collegiate seasons with Panola College in Carthage, Texas. During his time with the team, he started in 30 of the 64 games he appeared in.

Last season, Salatchoum started in a career-high 16 games, which yielded 4.7 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game. Understanding his role in the offense, he finished the season with a 55% field goal percentage, which was the third highest on the team.

Outside of his offensive contributions, he was also the anchor of Panola’s defense throughout the entire season.

Over 33 games, Salatchoum totaled 56 blocks, which translates to 1.69 blocks per game. Through defensive discipline while he protected the rim, he only committed eight fouls over the entire season. 

Prior to committing to FIU, Salatchoum originally made a commitment to join the Long Beach State Sharks in November of 2023. However, he decided to play elsewhere and committed to join the Panthers on April 18, 2024.

Joining junior guard Asim Jones, Salatchoum is the team’s second signing of the offseason. His size and defensive prowess provides the Panthers with more depth at the center position, with the departure of senior center Seth Pinkney.

Follow Will Duval on X: @WillDuval40