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Caleb Love's One-Word Reaction to Arizona Star After NBA Draft Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The NCAA basketball transfer portal is about to close, and while many players are deciding which school they will commit to playing for next season, some others are deciding whether to turn pro.

Oumar Ballo has become a tantalizing prospect over the last few years. The 7-footer averaged 13.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks a game this past season for Indiana, although he was able to help it get back to the men's NCAA Tournament.

On Monday night, he announced on his Instagram account that he's declaring for the NBA draft after five years in the NCAA, and he gave thanks to many people. Former teammate Caleb Love dropped a response to his announcement.

"Barbie," Love wrote.

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A post shared by Trust The Ballo (@oumarballo11)

Ballo and Love played together on the Arizona Wildcats during the 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. During that time, they reached the tournament each year and made it to the Sweet Sixteen round twice.

Ballo is originally from Mali in West Africa. He ended up attending Canterbury Academy in Spain and eventually spent some time at NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City and the Basketball Without Borders camp.

He started his college career at Gonzaga, where he got little playing time, during the 2020-21 season. It was at Arizona where he earned a more prominent role and started to tap into his potential, and he was named the Pac-12 Most Improved Player for 2023 while earning a Pac-12 All-Defensive Team nod the following season.

At 265 pounds, he's a big load in the paint, and his 7-foot-6 wingspan makes him tough to defend when he gets position.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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