Getty Image
Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo committed to Indiana on Tuesday, and Hoosier fans did all they could to convince him. That includes flirting with an NCAA violation!
Hoosier Nation was seen sending Venmo payments the center’s way prior to that decision going public. Whether or not it had an influence, we don’t know, but it surely shows the passion of that Indiana fanbase!
Ballo was one of the Wildcats’ top performers last year, helping his team reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. The big man averaged 12.9 point and 10.1 rebounds in that ’23-24 campaign.
His asking price was reportedly high according to insiders around the sport, with Jeff Goodman hinting at a $1.2M price tag on that commitment.
Was told by multiple coaches that the asking price for Ballo was $1.2 million. https://t.co/l2IWIIotiT
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 16, 2024
A few rogue Indiana fans, known for their obsession of the Hoosier basketball team, did their part in footing that bill.
Images on social media show potential Venmo payments to Oumar Ballo on Tuesday.
Indiana fans are sending money to Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo through Venmo in hopes that he commits 😭
Most passionate fanbase out there pic.twitter.com/YQkVUDL8R5
— CBB Content (@CBBcontent) April 16, 2024
The photo above shows just a $10 payment, but hey, every little bit counts!
No matter the size, though, the payment does seem to toe the line of legality.
Though players can now be paid through NIL, pay-for-play is still restricted. Typically, collectives handle the distribution of money, setting up partnerships in exchange for things like media engagements or autograph signings with local businesses.
That money is pooled together by boosters, but the exchange isn’t direct from fan to player.
The NCAA and its conferences still prohibit compensation directly from the association to student athletes.
The wording in this particular Venmo message is vague, however, and it doesn’t directly state that it’s for any athletic incentive. Instead, it simply says, “Drink on Hoosier Nation. Like if we’re getting that commitment!”
Just a friendly gift to a college student. No harm, no foul!
Oumar Ballo committed to Indiana Tuesday afternoon.
Whether or not the Venmo payments had anything to do with that decision, we don’t know (they most likely did not). However, they did fill Ballo in on the type of support he’ll have from his new school moving forward.
BREAKING: Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo tells me that he has committed to Indiana.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 16, 2024
Indiana is desperate to revive a program that was once on the top of the college basketball world.
The Hoosiers won three national titles under Bob Knight and made two more Final Fours. They also made a national championship appearance under Mike Davis in 2002.
Since, they’ve made just 10 NCAA Tournaments in 22 years while cycling through six coaches.
Maybe Oumar Ballo can help get them back!