NCAA Basketball: 10 teams who should target Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo

Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illini has been known for bit portal hits, including Terrence Shannon Jr. from this past season. They certainly will need to address the wing position, along with at center. Not only has Coleman Hawkins, who has played a good chunk at the five-spot, indicated that he’s likely going pro this offseason, but backup big man Dain Dainja has already transferred out to Memphis.

That creates an open hole for Illinois, which has the resources to try and land a big fish. And while he’s not the perfect comparison to Ballo, they could sell him on being like former All-American big man Kofi Cockburn and offering a larger offensive role in the system.

Michigan State

The Spartans are going to be linked to a lot of frontcourt players in the portal since it was viewed as a big weakness this past season. Mady Sissoko has hit the portal himself, leaving guys like Carson Cooper, Jaxon Kohler, and former five-star prospect Xavier Booker in play.

Ballo would be the ideal experienced big man for Coach Tom Izzo, who doesn’t need too much at the five-spot but be competitive against better bigs. If guards Jaden Akins and AJ Hoffard are back, the possible addition of Ballo would round out the roster and make them a legit threat next season.