Former Indiana Hoosier center Oumar Ballo, was open in talks about the Indiana fanbase after their 72-59 loss to Oregon on day two of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Ballo talked to the media about his Indiana experience after the game, and revealed the harsh interactions he had with the Hoosier fans throughout the year. “The fans’ act let us down as a whole unit.” Ballo said in a viral interview. “We lose one game, two games, and next thing you know your DMs are crazy. Death wishes, death threats. No one wants to live like that.”
Former Indiana Pacers and NBA all-star forward David West chimed in about Ballo's comments and the state of college basketball in the new day in age.
“It’s mentality draining and nobody wants to deal with that for a whole five-month season,” he said in the video, the former Xavier grad West shared with Anthony Calhoun. “It’s too much to take in, for players and for coaches. And I hope they change, man. Because it’s time. They’re not helping us. They’re not helping anybody. If you’re not cheering for us, just leave us alone.”
“Listen. Money is involved. Expectations are different. Productivity, professionalism, and personal accountability come with the pro sports environment. The college level is rapidly becoming that. Y'all want the bag? This comes with it,” West said.
He also stated this about the threats coming from fans “Death threats are not ok and should be reported and handled by law enforcement,”he said.
Listen. Money is involved. Expectations are different. Productivity, professionalism, and personal accountability come with the pro sports environment. The college level is rapidly becoming that. Yall want the bag? This comes with it. https://t.co/6hSoPKZL1q
— David West (@D_West30) March 14, 2025
During his NBA career West played for the New Orleans Hornets (2003-11), Indiana Pacers (2011-15), San Antonio Spurs (2015-16) and Golden State Warriors (2016-18). In 15 seasons, West appeared in 1,034 games, scored 14,034 points, recorded 6,590 rebounds, registered 2,273 assists and had 850 blocks per Xavier Athletics
Ballo averaged 13 points per game, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 61 percent shooting from the field for the Hoosiers in 2024-25.
He was a two time Pac-12 conference team player and on the Pac-12 All Defensive Team at Arizona. At Gonzaga as a freshman he played in 24 games averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in 6.2 minutes per game, shooting 62.9% from the field.
Trey Galloway, Omuar Ballo, Anthony Leal and Luke Goode are the notable seniors who will graduate this season after going 19-13 overall in 2024-25.