Oumar Ballo

OUMAR BALLO (6’10, BIG, MALI)

Ballo could not play the first two games because of visa issues but it didn’t stop Mali from the good start. Their grit and surprisingly good coaching level was widely noticed in Heraklion and history has been made as before African team has never been in Top 8 of U19s. Big credit for that should go to Ballo who had (ex aequo with Filip Petrusev) the best efficiency in the tournament. It gets even more impressive regarding that Oumar can possibly participate in the next edition of this event in 2021. Malian prospect labeled as a baby Shaq is great around the rim. He is a force hard to stop but there is more to that than pure physicality given his nimbleness, footwork, positioning, rebounding instincts, toughness and post repertoire. While Ballo looks leaner and more mobile he still has a huge problems on switches and is somewhat of a throwback regarding that he projects as potentially bad perimeter defender and back to the basket heavy player. There are some serious questions about his NBA projection: will he be able to keep players in front while taken away from the hoop? For how long stretches can he keep with the intensity of the game? Will he start to shot threes as now even his mid range J doesn’t look that promising? Can he compensate for defensive deficiencies with his domination inside (as long and strong he is now, he didn’t overpower at will strong bodied bigs, he would have to be a real Shaq not his baby version to change the modern era)? Despite that he is surefire candidate for great career in Europe on the highest level if NBA turns out not to be his world. And can steal some serious minutes on 5 spot from Filip Petrusev as a freshman in Gonzaga. 

OUMAR BALLO – Born in Mali to 6’5 & 6’8 mother and father respectively. Shaquille O’neal may be the most appropriate comparison when it comes to Ballo and it’s not very exaggerated. He possess huge body but is not heavy at all on his feet. Oumar is smaller as he stands around 6’10 but possess mind blowing 7’5 wingspan. He totally dominated FIBA U16 Africa and domestic Spanish championship in the same age group. Basically his strength is too much for any youth competition in this world. With his enormous bulk he easily clears out space. Usually hard foul is the only way to stop him and prevent from making easy lay up or big dunk. Oumar started to play basketball at the age of 11 which is not late especially for bigs. Previously he was doing soccer which he benefits from as far as footwork goes. Beside paint domination, natural aggressiveness, he displays soft hands and ok rim running ability but struggles at the FT line for now. He has an older brother who plays professionally in France.