Senior big man Oumar Ballo, who entered the portal after three seasons at Arizona and one at Gonzaga, has scheduled an Indiana visit for April 14-16, per reports.
Report: Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo to visit Indiana April 14-16https://t.co/jvJrmp7rEJ#iubb
— Inside the Hall (@insidethehall) April 11, 2024
The 7’0” 260 lb. center has at least one year of eligibility remaining with the option to use a COVID-19 year for one additional season.
Ballo averaged 19.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game last season as a Wildcat. With a block rate around 5%, Ballo fits the mold of a rim-protecting center that Mike Woodson has sought after.
For context, Kel’el Ware’s block rate last season was 6.5%, while Trayce Jackson-Davis posted a whopping 9% the season before.
Unlike Ware, Ballo would be coming in with a track record of success against high-major opponents. Against the Hoosiers in 2022, Ballo put up 15 points over Indiana’s frontcourt duo of TJD and Race Thompson.
After sending TJD and Ware to the pros, it’s safe to assume Ballo is attracted to Woodson’s record of developing big men.