Arizona’s returning all-conference center appears to be returning to form just in time for the Wildcats’ final run through the Pac-12.
Center Oumar Ballo was named the Pac-12 Player of the Week on Tuesday after posting double-doubles against both Alabama and Florida Atlantic last week, drastically improving his rebounding and free-throw shooting.
It was Ballo’s first Pac-12 weekly honor of the season and second of his career after winning it early last season following his Maui Invitational MVP performance.
Last week, Ballo had 16 points and 12 rebounds in the Wildcats’ 87-74 win over Alabama on Dec. 20 in Phoenix and followed up with 13 points and 21 rebounds in Arizona’s 96-95 loss to FAU in double overtime on Saturday in Las Vegas.
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Ballo’s 21 rebounds were the most by an Arizona player since Jordan Hill collected 22 against UAB early in the 2008-09 season. Nine of the rebounds were on the offensive end, giving Ballo the most offensive rebounds since Derrick Williams had nine against Washington State in 2010-11.
Ballo shot only 4 of 11 from the field against FAU but made 5 of 7 free throws. Over the two games, Ballo shot 11 for 17 from the line (65%) after entering the week shooting having made just 39.3% of his free throws.
“O really impacted the game,” UA coach Tommy Lloyd said Saturday after the UA-FAU game. “We want to continue to build with him. He’s obviously a force, and I’m sure his finishing is going to continue to pick up a little bit. But for him to go get 20 rebounds in a game like that was pretty impressive.
“We appreciate all the value he brings to us.”
Arizona Basketball Press Conference |Tommy Lloyd, Oumar Ballo, Pelle Larsson | Dec. 20, 2023 | Postgame after Alabama win (Arizona Wildcats YouTube)
