A highly-regarded player is replacing a 1st-round draft pick at the same position, so it's natural to compare. I'm well aware they don't share the same style of play, which is basically my point: Ware brought much more to the table than Ballo will. Even if rebounding and defense are a push, KW actually created space with his shooting ability and versatility. OB isn't equipped to do that. Therefore, IU will see crowded lanes when Reneau and Ballo play together.
All the chatter has been about IU's roster--and deservedly so--but some seem to think OB for Ware is a fairly even "tradeoff." I think Ballo was an excellent get who will be a major part of this team, but he has far fewer offensive weapons in his arsenal than Ware ... and I think that will become evident as the season progresses.
Because IU was pitiful last season, many--myself included--sometimes forgot how good Ware really was. Without him, the Hoosiers may have finished with single-digit wins last season. He was that important.