2019 - Ballo - Committed

[TravelinZag]

The joy may be premature. The hopes are ours. The decision and timing belong to him.

[CanadianZagsFan]

I see this news on Twitter after watching the BYU game.
Crazy!
He was just visiting the Kennel the other day, and has already committed. They said on one of Spokane news channel he had another team recruiting him hard, but he probably wasn’t going to visit them (that’s when I felt GU chances were solid) but didn’t expect the news so soon. I need to do some reading up on this kid, I’ve been too focused on Timme HS highlights on YouTube. I highly recommend checking YouTube out for the older fans, you’ll be on there all day watching extended clips.

[rennis]

Welcome young man!! You are most welcome indeed


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[sittingon50]

For PG, perhaps Biggs McGee has a cousin? Guardy McDimes?

A(nother) legend is born!!

[MDABE80]

Arizona, Baylor and us were his 3 noted in the story on his commitment. Big kid, good coordination, a dunker to be sure. He'l get minutes here but he's still raw and will be needing coaching. He came ot the right place.
The bigs are all new and haven't played with each other. I suspect somebody's going to get a redshirt.
We do have some fine players coming back, This season could go on for a while. I hope it does. Let us be still playing come April.

[Bogozags]

Caldwellzag - Is Ballo considered a 5* recruit, if not where does he fit in the "star system?"

Thanks...

[caldwellzag]

Caldwellzag - Is Ballo considered a 5* recruit, if not where does he fit in the "star system?"

Thanks...

He should be a 5 star, if he is not it will be a high 4 star. Highest rated recruit this year.

[4EVERaZAG]

Since he is only 16.5 he would have to play multiple years at GU before he is draft eligible right?

[GonzagasaurusFlex]

6'9" or taller in 2019:
Watson
Timme
Zakharov
Ballo
Wow.

I’m hoping Anton Watson can play the 3; the admittedly limited video I’ve seen of him suggests that could be his best position, certainly at NBA level..and he seems talented enough to be preparing himself for that career trajectory.

Does it really matter though? Neither Ballo or Zakharov figure to be 5 year guys.

Give whoever is least ready the Rui freshman treatment and go from there.

Also, Clarke is so completely gone that we don't even need to entertain that idea anymore. He's gone.

Good point, it worked fine for Rui and if he is likely not going to be a Zag for four years why not let him dip his toes into D-1 hoops as a 17 yo fresman. On the other hand, give Coach Knight a full year to work with young Mr. Oumar Ballo on his body while he hones his skills…and oh boy I bet he could introduce himself to college hoops in Zion-esque fashion in 2020-21!

The staff has done a remarkable job recruiting for 2019-20 season...
Let's hope that S&S commit and make 20-21 another top class!

Imagine the 2020-21 possibilities if all goes well w Zags on the recruiting front!
LITTLES: Harris; Strawther; Suggs; Ravet; Ayayi; Foster;
BIGS: Petrusev; Timme; Zakharov; Ballo;
STUD WINGS: Kispert; Watson; Arlauskas

[NorthoftheBorder]

Since he is only 16.5 he would have to play multiple years at GU before he is draft eligible right?

His birthday is July 13, 2002 You have to turn 19 in the year of the draft to be eligible so, correct, he would have to stay at least two years and would not be eligible to be drafted until 2021.

[raise the zag]

His birthday is July 13, 2002 You have to turn 19 in the year of the draft to be eligible so, correct, he would have to stay at least two years and would not be eligible to be drafted until 2021.

No need to worry. The kid is 2 yr minimum.

Has one post move.

Huge ceiling but a ways to go. He isn't running into lane shooting floaters, mid range shots, spin moves etc like Rui and Clarke can do in addition to posting up.

Now, Ballo more traditional Center prospect, uses his size and raw strength to score. He will be a force but has a ways to go to become a complete player even at his position.

Expected for the potential yet not one & done.

Let's start by having him score with his both hands, or score floaters over shoulder etc.

Today's NBA isn't the same as when hunker down centers dominated.

Ballo will have to develop more moves and a face up shot before sniffing the draft.

He kind of reminds me of Naz Reid of LSU.

[Irish_eliZAG]

https://twitter.com/insidethekennel/status/1099728839574503425?s=21

[IowaSERE]

Granted it's a highlight video, but I saw numerous face up jumpers and a few ugly 3s. He'll be the best player in the ncaa in 2 years.

Watch "OUMAR BALLO CAN´T STOP DUNKING!!!!!!!!!!" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/bhjYYcBqgaU

[IowaSERE]

yup. Dalton Hommes on standby to take his spot if he does.

I'd love to see ZN at pg and Hommes at sg. Maybe not all the time, but for 20 min a game

[MDABE80]

All these bigs are new to D1. I suspect each will need some time to develop. The guard situation should be ok but we do need some new faces especially at the point. Few's system takes time to learn regardless of the talent level. Quite the bounty showing up though.