SAD NEWS: Malik Reneau Taken To Hospital Prior To Penn State Game, Says Woodson

The Indiana Hoosiers faced a significant challenge ahead of their February 26, 2025, game against Penn State when it was revealed that freshman forward Malik Reneau was taken to the hospital. With Reneau’s hospitalization leaving a gap in the Hoosiers’ lineup, head coach Mike Woodson had to adjust his team’s rotation and starting five. In response to Reneau’s absence, two players stepped up: Oumar Ballo and Mackenzie Mgbako.

Oumar Ballo’s Role and Impact

Oumar Ballo, a key presence in the Hoosiers’ frontcourt, was called upon to take over a starting role in place of Reneau. Ballo, who had already contributed as a reliable rotational player, was expected to bring his physicality and experience to the starting five. Known for his size (standing 7-feet tall), Ballo’s presence in the paint became even more crucial in the absence of Reneau, who had been a consistent scorer and rebounder for Indiana this season.

Ballo’s ability to dominate the boards and his defensive prowess would allow the Hoosiers to maintain a strong interior presence against Penn State. His size made him a natural choice to take on more responsibilities in the post, especially given Reneau’s versatility in both scoring and rebounding. Ballo was tasked with ensuring that Indiana’s defense remained solid, preventing Penn State from exploiting any weaknesses in the paint.

On offense, Ballo’s role expanded. While he was never as much of a primary scoring option as Reneau, he did have the potential to provide occasional post-ups and rim protection. His ability to create space in the low post and finish at the rim became increasingly important as the Hoosiers adjusted their offensive flow to accommodate the absence of Reneau’s scoring.

Mackenzie Mgbako’s Elevated Role

Mackenzie Mgbako, another talented freshman, was the second player to step into a starting role. Known for his scoring ability, Mgbako had impressed throughout the season with his versatility as a forward who could stretch the floor and hit three-pointers. However, with Reneau out, Mgbako’s role became even more critical. Head coach Mike Woodson needed Mgbako to contribute not only as a scorer but also as a defender and rebounder.

Mgbako’s athleticism and ability to create his own shot made him a natural fit for the increased role. His shooting from the perimeter provided Indiana with spacing, and his quickness helped the team shift their offensive scheme to a more guard-oriented, up-tempo style. In addition to his scoring ability, Mgbako had to increase his responsibilities in terms of defense and rebounding. With the Hoosiers now down a key forward, Mgbako’s energy on the glass became crucial in maintaining balance between the inside and outside play.

Mgbako had already shown flashes of brilliance, especially in key moments throughout the season. However, with the added weight of a starting role, he was given more freedom to play his game and take on a larger share of the offensive workload. His combination of size, speed, and shooting made him a versatile asset for Indiana, and his contribution against Penn State would be a deciding factor in the team’s success.

How The Hoosiers Adapted Offensively and Defensively

With both Ballo and Mgbako stepping into starting roles, the Hoosiers made several adjustments to their game plan. Offensively, the team relied on a more balanced attack, with an emphasis on perimeter shooting and quick ball movement. Without Reneau’s inside presence, the Hoosiers could not rely as heavily on post plays and had to turn to more versatile, dynamic options to put points on the board.

Defensively, the Hoosiers turned to their physicality and rebounding. Ballo’s presence in the paint helped ensure that the team maintained a strong defensive front. Mgbako, though not as physically imposing as Ballo, added a level of quickness and mobility that allowed the Hoosiers to switch between defensive schemes more easily. Indiana’s defense had to adapt to being less traditional in the post, instead focusing on perimeter defense and creating turnovers to disrupt Penn State’s rhythm.

The Road Ahead

With Reneau’s status uncertain for future games, the Hoosiers must continue to rely on Ballo and Mgbako to step up in the coming weeks. Both players have shown that they are capable of handling increased minutes and larger roles. However, it will be essential for Coach Woodson to adjust his rotation to ensure that Indiana remains competitive in the Big Ten, where every game is critical for tournament positioning.

The absence of a key player like Malik Reneau is never easy to overcome, but the Hoosiers’ ability to adjust and rely on players like Ballo and Mgbako demonstrates the team’s resilience. As the season progresses, Indiana will need both of them to continue to contribute heavily, not just to fill the void left by Reneau, but to help the Hoosiers reach their ultimate goals.