Film study: IU basketball’s Oumar Ballo operating at elite level with good spacing

IU center Oumar Ballo has clicked the turbo button.

And like any good sports car, the he needs space to operate at peak performance.

The 7-foot and 265-pound Ballo has been dominant in Indiana’s 2-0 resumption of Big Ten play, and that coincides with Indiana playing almost exclusively with a 4-out scheme, or even 5-out when Ballo frequents the perimeter to set screens.

With two high-end facilitators on the floor and four good shooters, the paint has been wide open for Ballo, and he has capitalized, with 21 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per contest over his last two games.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways Ballo has excelled of late.

TRADITIONAL POST TOUCHES WITH SPACE

Ballo hadn’t been very consistent early in the season when he caught the ball with his back to the basket. That part of his game didn’t look like a strength. But four teammates beyond the arc seems to unlock his confidence and skill level. With no help around, Ballo patiently works his man and maneuvers into a jump hook. And he’s got four shooters waiting if the double comes.

MELT THE ICE

Here Ballo’s man appears to be trying to prevent a high ball screen, or icing it, by coming between Trey Galloway and Ballo. But the IU big man, who is great at positioning his body between his man and the basket, immediately recognizes the ploy and dives to the rim after his man gets too high. With all four of his teammates beyond the arc, this is too easy. No helping guards or wings are going to stop Ballo once he gets a head of steam like this. And they don’t have time to set up for a charge.

SLIPS ARE A WEAPON AGAINST HARD HEDGING

Some teams have found success aggressively hedging Indiana’s high ball screens. A slip to the rim by the screener is an effective counter, especially when there are no other teammates inside the arc. It doesn’t hurt if you’ve got a teammate who can deliver masterful passes like Myles Rice did here. Look closely, you’ll see real conflict, as the Penn State defender No. 3 is reluctant to help off Mackenzie Mgbako in the corner, and ends up in no man’s land.

THE MIDPOST WORKS TOO

A variation of the slip to the rim is a catch in the mid-post. Indiana’s guards have improved at recognizing where to go on hedges, and Ballo knows exactly what to do when he catches there with space to operate. While he’s not an elite athlete, Ballo has demonstrated the quickness and footwork in these situations to get to the rim and finish. This time watch PSU’s No. 5, once again in conflict, worried about leaving Luke Goode and thus unable to do anything but foul Ballo.

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING BOOST TOO?

With the floor spaced, Ballo’s man is typically the primary help on any drives to the rim. That often leaves Ballo free to attack the offensive glass. He just needs a split-second to gain positioning, and the odds are good he’s at least going to get a fingertip on a missed shot when he’s got an angle. Ballo has had 11 offensive rebounds in the last two games, and his two best performances in that regard on the season.