While we are still multiple months out from the start of the IU basketball season, it does not mean that we cannot start looking at some preseason honors as we wait.
One of the biggest offseason wins for Mike Woodson and IU basketball was gaining a commitment from Arizona senior big man, Oumar Ballo. Ballo is projected to be a key piece for the Hoosiers this season.
With that, Ballo has picked up a few preseason both in the Big Ten conference and nationally from Blue Ribbon Yearbook.
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Below is the full release.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Sixth-year senior center Oumar Ballo was named Preseason Big Ten Newcomer of the Year, Preseason All-Big Ten, and Preseason All-America Fourth Team by Blue Ribbon Yearbook earlier this week.
Ballo, a transfer from Arizona, was twice named to the All-Pac-12 First Team, a two-time All-Pac-12 Tournament Team selection, a 2023-24 All-Pac-12 Defensive Team addition, and was tabbed as the Pac-12 Most Improved Player following the 2022-23 season.
The Koulikoro, Mali, native averaged 11.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocked shots in three seasons with the Wildcats. He shot 64.6% (466-of-721) from the floor and collected 34 career double-doubles. The 7-0, 260-pund center holds a record of 112-20 throughout his collegiate career.
The Hoosiers will begin the 2024-25 season with a charity exhibition game on Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville against the Tennessee Volunteers.
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