Gonzaga basketball: Analyzing 2020-21 frontcourt without Filip Petrusev
By Andy Patton
Oumar Ballo
Speaking of defense, the minutes Oumar Ballo is on the floor in place of Petrusev will almost certainly yield far fewer points for any and all opposing teams.
Ballo, for those who may not be familiar, is a six-foot-ten center from Mali who has been christened “Baby Shaq” a handful of times in his young career. He sat out last year because of NCAA compliance issues, but he is ready to come in and immediately make a huge impact on this Gonzaga team – primarily on the defensive side of the ball.
Ballo has a massive seven-foot-six inch wingspan, which would be among the highest in the NBA, and is expected to be an impact rebounder and shot-blocker in the NCAA.
The 18-year-old (wow) was named the top international prospect in the class of 2020 by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and will assume the role Drew Timme played last year as the backup center who plays big minutes.
While his impact as a rim protector will be immediately noticeable, he’ll have plenty to contribute on offense as well – considering his ability to roll to the rim for lobs, finish in the paint, and gobble up offensive rebounds. There’s little reason to assume he can’t put up close to 10 and 5 next year – much like Timme in 2019-2020 – while also making an impact on defense.
Ballo made the FIBA All-Tournament team last summer, alongside FIBA MVP Joel Ayayi, after scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in their matchup against Ayayi and France. He averaged, averaged, 3.8 blocks per game in that tournament, and displayed adept passing out of the post and even a fadeaway jumper or two.
The sky’s the limit for Ballo and the Zags in 2020, and he’ll have an understandably massive role in replacing Petrusev this upcoming season.