Oumar Ballo, a 7-foot center from Koulikoro, Mali, has announced his decision to remain with the Indiana Hoosiers for the upcoming season, aiming to conclude his collegiate career in Bloomington. Ballo transferred to Indiana in April 2024 after successful stints at Gonzaga and Arizona.
During his tenure at Arizona, Ballo earned two All-Pac-12 First Team selections and was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. He averaged 12.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in his final season with the Wildcats. Upon joining Indiana, Ballo was recognized on the preseason All-Big Ten team and was included on the watchlist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, which honors the nation’s top center.
In the 2024-2025 season with the Hoosiers, Ballo maintained strong performance metrics, averaging 13.1 points and a team-high 8.4 rebounds per game. He also led the team with 16 blocks and achieved a field goal percentage of 67.9%.
The Hoosiers faced challenges during the season, leading to the departure of head coach Mike Woodson. Despite these setbacks, Ballo’s decision to stay demonstrates his commitment to the program and its future direction.
As he prepares for his final collegiate season, Ballo is poised to be a pivotal player for Indiana under new head coach Darian DeVries. His experience and leadership are expected to be invaluable assets as the Hoosiers aim to improve their standing in the Big Ten Conference.