3 Transfers Duke Should Target Following Mark Mitchell News
By Cem Yolbulan
Oumar Ballo, C
If we are talking about experience, it's hard to find a more experienced big man at the college level than Oumar Ballo. After starting his NCAA career at Gonzaga, Ballo transferred to Arizona at the beginning of the 2021-22 season. He has been a full-time starter at center for the Wildcats for the past two seasons.
After averaging 12.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in 26 minutes this season, Ballo entered the transfer portal, making him one of the most desirable big men available.
A proper double-double machine, Ballo is an excellent finisher inside the paint and a dominant rebounder. His range doesn't extend outside the paint and he struggles immensely at the free-throw line but Duke will not need him to do any of that. The Blue Devils need 20 minutes of high-level center play who can provide physicality and anchor the defensive backline.
And Ballo is as capable as any center in the country to do that. He is obviously not exactly a Mark Mitchell replacement since he only plays and guards one position, but he would allow Flagg and Maluach to not battle with the biggest big men in the country right away. He will only have one more year of eligibility so Duke can find a long-term solution after next season.