Coming out of North Little Rock high school as the No.7 ranked recruit in the nation, 7-0 center Kel’el Ware had plenty of options. Ware ended up deciding on Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks. However, his first season in Eugene did not go as planned. He started just four of 35 games for the Ducks in 2022 averaging just under seven points per game.
Shortly after the end of last season, Ware decided it was time for a change of scenery. With a loaded frontcourt in Eugene, Ware knew the chances of getting significant minutes were slim. As a top NBA prospect Kel’el needs playing time. Luckily for him and Indiana they were willing to give it to him, and it has paid off handsomely for the Hoosiers.
Ware has been an absolute monster in the paint for IU to start the season. Starting in all 15 games he has played in and averaging 31 minutes a game, Ware is averaging 14.7 ppg on an incredibly efficient 55.7% from the field.
Not only is Kel’el dominating in the scoring department, but his rebound numbers are also up by more than double from last season. After averaging just 4.1 per contest last season, Ware has uncorked for 9.3 boards per night to start the season.
Ware’s shooting touch is unseen for a big man. The seven-footer pulls from anywhere with ease with a smooth stroke that is essentially unseen from guys his height. However, his shooting has yet to reach the consistency that it needs for him to be vaulted into lottery pick status.
As mock drafts swirl, Ware slates in as a mid to late first round pick. Scouts love his incredible size and athleticism, and he has shown it off at Indiana this season. If he starts to shoot the rock from mid-range and distance at a more efficient clip, expect to see him to continue to skyrocket up draft boards. Ware has been unreal for Indiana so far and is not showing any signs of slowing down.
