Oumar Ballo has officially declared that he is entering the transfer portal after completing his time at Arizona. The 7-foot center is now among the top players available in the offseason and is highly sought after by many teams.
In a statement, Ballo expressed his gratitude to Wildcat Nation and the Tucson community for supporting him during his time at Arizona. He reflected on the special place that Tucson holds in his heart and thanked everyone who has been a part of his journey there. As a graduate student, Ballo has decided to explore his options for his final year of eligibility.
During his time at Arizona, Ballo was one of the best centers in the country, averaging a double-double with impressive numbers of 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He led the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 and put up a strong performance with 15 points and 15 rebounds in that game. His shooting accuracy of nearly 66% and 20 double-doubles showcase his talent on the court.
Ballo had an outstanding season as a starter in 2022-23, averaging 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. After beginning his college career at Gonzaga in 2019, he transferred to Arizona under head coach Tommy Lloyd. As a graduate transfer with one season of eligibility remaining, Ballo’s next move is still unknown, but he is sure to make a significant impact wherever he lands.
Ballo’s departure from Arizona will leave a big hole in their frontcourt rotation, but it opens up an opportunity for someone else to step into that role and make their mark on the team.
In conclusion, Oumar Ballo’s decision to enter the transfer portal marks the end of an era at Arizona, but it also paves the way for new opportunities for both him and other players on the team.
