BREAKING NEWS: Indiana University Basketball Stars Ballo, Mgbako, and Rice Named to National Preseason Watch Lists
Bloomington, IN – April 11, 2025
Indiana University basketball is once again making national waves, as three standout Hoosiers—Oumar Ballo, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Myles Rice—have each earned spots on prestigious national preseason watch lists ahead of the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball season.
The announcement marks a major moment of recognition for the IU basketball program and its upward trajectory under head coach Tom Crean, who recently returned to the program with high expectations and renewed energy.
Oumar Ballo, the dominant 7-foot center who transferred to IU after a standout career at Arizona, has been named to the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year watch list. Known for his imposing presence in the paint, Ballo brings elite rebounding, rim protection, and low-post scoring to the Hoosiers. Last season, he averaged 12.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His physicality and leadership are expected to anchor the Hoosiers on both ends of the floor.
“Being named to this list is a big honor,” Ballo said in a statement. “But I’m more focused on bringing a championship back to Bloomington. That’s the goal.”
Mackenzie Mgbako, a sophomore forward who was one of the nation’s top recruits in 2023, continues to build on his potential and rising star power. He was named to the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year watch list. Mgbako had a strong freshman campaign, averaging 10.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 35% from beyond the arc. With added strength and experience, he is expected to take a major leap this season as a two-way force.
“I’ve worked all summer to elevate my game,” Mgbako said. “It’s great to get this kind of recognition, but it’s all about winning. That’s what matters most.”
Myles Rice, a highly-touted point guard transfer from Washington State, was selected for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year watch list. Rice brings floor leadership, playmaking, and a high basketball IQ to a position IU has looked to solidify. At WSU, he averaged 14.8 points and 3.7 assists per game. His ability to control the tempo and get teammates involved makes him a critical part of Indiana’s game plan heading into the season.
“This is a special group, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Rice said. “I know what it means to wear that IU jersey, and I’m ready to make this season one to remember.”
With three players receiving early national attention, the Hoosiers are quickly emerging as a team to watch in the 2025 season. Expectations are high in Bloomington, and the presence of multiple players on national watch lists underscores the talent and potential that IU fans are hoping will translate into Big Ten and NCAA tournament success.
As preseason rankings and polls begin to roll out, Indiana University is firmly back on the national radar—ready to reclaim its spot among college basketball’s elite.