© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The Indiana basketball program struggled in the 2024-25 campaign and will again miss out on the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers’ season came to an official end with a Big Ten Tournament loss to Oregon on Thursday.
After the game, star transfer Oumar Ballo reflected on the year that was. He called out the fanbase in the process.
“All we’re trying to do is win for this fanbase,” he said. “But you lose a game, and the next thing you know, your DMs are crazy. Death wishes, death threats… nobody wants to live like that. It’s not helping anybody.”
“Death wishes, death threats.” – Indiana Hoosier center Oumar Ballo on interactions over social media this season. “Nobody wants to live like that.”
“I’m not talking about the true fans because I know they have our back. If you’re not cheering for us, leave us alone.” #IUBB pic.twitter.com/t5rN9b0jOo
— Brett Bensley (@brettbensley) March 13, 2025
Ballo noted that it’s only a small portion of Hoosier Nation that he’s speaking on. It’s likely the same group that called for Mike Woodson’s job game after game as the losses piled up.
Ballo signed with the program this past offseason at an extremely high price tag. He’s since been up and down throughout his time in Bloomington.
He was mysteriously benched earlier in the year after being spotted out on the town the night prior. His coach refused to address the situation when asked.
When on the floor, Oumar Ballo was productive. He nearly averaged a double-double at 13.2 points and 9.1 rebounds a night.
That play wasn’t good enough for many around the program, particularly given his lucrative NIL contract. Still, the criticisms crossed the line when getting into death threats.
Indiana will not be dancing this March. Instead, they’ll be searching for a new head coach. That hire, and the players that come with him, will be scrutinized heavily by the fans.