Video: In-depth breakdown of Oumar Ballo, his fit and what he will bring to Indiana basketball

When the Indiana basketball program assessed its offseason, landing another talented and productive center was going to be a key point of emphasis. After Trayce Jackson-Davis, Mike Woodson landed key transfer Kel’el Ware. Now, with Ware off to the NBA it’s Oumar Ballo who will take over the paint.

Ballo comes to Indiana after averaging 12.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game a season ago with Arizona. He shot 65.8 percent from the floor and had 20 double-doubles.

The 7-foot, 260-pound center is a terrific rebounder and defender. He is best on the offensive glass as he led the Pac-12 in offensive rebound rate (15.1) and first in total rebound rate (21.1). Defensively, his block rate (5.0) was fifth in the Pac-12. He also led the league in defensive rating (92.7).

He was a two-time All-Pac-12 First Team selection as well as All-Pac-12 Defensive Team twice.

“Oumar is a dominating post presence on both ends of the floor with a winning background,” Woodson said of Ballo. “His experience playing at the highest level will elevate our program. He is a big fella with soft touch around the rim, good hands, and solid footwork. He is very physical and is a perfect fit in our system and our league. We are really happy to welcome Oumar and his family to Bloomington.”

Full Ride Network founder Ant Wright broke down the addition of Ballo and what it means for Indiana basketball, in addition to his fit and overall skillset.

“From an offensive standpoint he’s very basic. Doesn’t have an arsenal of moves the way he scores the basketball. He only does a couple things well offensively. But he does those two to three things at a high level,” Wright said. “… He’s an elite screener and rim runner and he’s going to have guards who can read ball screens at an elite level and make him one of the top lob threats in the country.”

You can watch his full breakdown here.

Transfer Portal Breakdown

Oumar Ballo – 7’0” 260 pound Center

Indiana commit pic.twitter.com/BRMAVc0NdU

— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) May 23, 2024

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.