Arizona Wildcats C Oumar Ballo Enters Portal Could be Michigan State Spartans, Tom Izzo Transfer Portal Target

The Michigan State Spartans and Tom Izzo will likely be active in the transfer portal this offseason. One of the top centers in America, Oumar Ballo, has entered the transfer portal, which could be an option for the Green and White.

Tom Izzo and Michigan State will likely be active in the transfer portal this season, as the portal will again be filled with talented players from across the country looking for a new team next season. 

In what has essentially become college free agency, Izzo is one of the last few coaches basketball still with the same basketball program they solidified their legacy with. This gives Izzo an upper hand on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal.

The Spartans have already been linked to multiple players from some of college basketball’s top programs, and this will likely continue throughout the summer. As the Spartans look to improve their team, another player could land on their radar shortly.

The 7-footer was one of the best centers in the country. He averaged a double-double this season, averaging nearly 13 points and just over 10 rebounds per game. He was a critical piece in Arizona’s Sweet 16 run this season. Ballo also finished the Sweet 16 matchup with a double-double, scoring 15 points and registering 15 rebounds.

The center started his collegiate career at Gonzaga in 2019 after arriving from Mali via Spain in America. Current Arizona Head Coach Tommy Lloyd was an assistant on that Gonzaga team. The two have been together for most of Ballo’s time in the United States. 

“I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, friends, and family for their ongoing support to make me the best player and person I can be. I would like to especially thank Coach Lloyd for the impact he has had on my life. Arizona is in great hands.”

Ballo recently announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal. 

"I am beyond grateful for my time at Arizona and for Wildcat Nation and the community of Tucson for embracing me into this family," Ballo said. "Tucson and all of the amazing people here will always hold a special place in my heart. 

"With that being said, I have decided to enter the transfer portal as a graduate student for my final year of eligibility."

Ballo has now played for Gonzaga and Arizona, two college basketball powerhouses. Now that he enters the transfer portal, it would only make sense for him to consider another basketball powerhouse like Michigan State.

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