Arkansas basketball will not be hosting the nation’s top transfer anymore.
Update: Oumar Ballo has officially committed to Indiana and is unlikely to visit Arkansas as previously rumored.
On Tuesday, 247Sports national recruiting analyst Eric Bossi reported that the former Arizona center, standing at 7-0 and weighing 260 pounds, had canceled a planned visit to Louisville and was expected to meet with new Arkansas head coach John Calipari in Fayetteville. However, Ballo has since changed course, as indicated in the above update.
Ballo spent the past three seasons at Arizona after starting his collegiate journey at Gonzaga. Currently ranked as the top prospect in the 247Sports NCAA Transfer Portal rankings, the 7-0, 260-pound center posted impressive numbers last season, averaging 12.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 0.9 steals while shooting 65.8% from the field and 49.5% from the free-throw line across 36 games with the Wildcats.
Advanced statistics reveal Ballo’s dominance on the court, with a combined 15.6 rebounds per 40 minutes and an offensive rebound percentage ranking in the 97th percentile among college basketball players last season.
On Monday, Arkansas secured its first commitment under Calipari with former Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic joining the team. With 12 scholarship roster spots still available for next season, the Razorbacks are actively recruiting to fill their ranks.
Transfer Scouting Report by Adam Finkelstein:
Ballo embarked on his college journey at Gonzaga before transferring to Arizona three years ago under Tommy Lloyd’s leadership. As a two-year starter for the Wildcats, he achieved a double-double average this year, recording 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Ballo left his mark on Arizona’s program history with the highest career field goal percentage and top-ten rankings in double-doubles, blocks, and rebounds.
Known for his imposing presence in the paint, Ballo utilizes his massive frame effectively, establishing deep post position and demonstrating physicality both before and after receiving the ball. While he excels near the basket, his post-game is less refined in other areas. Defensively, he provides a formidable presence with shot-blocking ability and a high steal rate. However, he faces limitations when pulled away from the basket, struggling offensively with free throws and three-point attempts and defensively with pick-and-roll coverage outside of deep drop schemes.
