IU basketball's All-Big Ten center Kel'el Ware declares for 2024 NBA draft
Indiana sophomore center Kel'el Ware is entering the 2024 NBA draft.
The move, announced via Ware's social media Tuesday, was widely expected as the Oregon transfer had a standout season for the Hoosiers, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors (media).
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“Thank you Indiana. It has been a pleasure to wear cream and crimson and have an opportunity to play for the greatest fans in the world," Ware posted on Instagram. "I am so grateful for the experience. You have all welcomed with open arms and allowed me to develop into the player that I am.
“I would like to thank the coaching staff for trusting me, seeing my potential, and for pushing me to go harder every day, on and off the court.”
Ware's departure leaves Mike Woodson and IU with seven open scholarships for the 2024-25 season.
Ware arrived at Indiana looking to revive his draft stock after the McDonald's All American struggled as a freshman in Eugene (6.6 points per game) and questions arose about his effort level.
He graduated high school as a projected first-round 2023 draft pick. A year later, there was seemingly no interest in Ware at the NBA level. In one season in Bloomington, Ware has completely changed the narrative on his pro future.
“Honestly, before he got here I overheard some questions about his motor,” IU guard Xavier Johnson said. “I think that was something that was well-known about him. Coach Woodson and the team has stayed on him about it, and I think that's the reason he's averaging what he is averaging right now.”
Ware averaged 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting 59.5% from the field, and showing an outside shooting touch (43.6% from 3) that tantalizes scouts because of his 7-foot frame. His rebounding number was second only to Zach Edey in the Big Ten.
“All I can tell you guys after that first month, he's been a totally different player,” Indiana coach Mike Woodson said. “I got to give tribute to our coaching staff and how they work, and we pushed him, and his teammates believe in him and I believe in him.”
Ware finished on a tear, scoring 26 or more points in three of Indiana’s four games during its winning streak to end the regular season.
He is rated the 29th-best prospect in this year's draft, per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.
After closing out the season on a disappointing note in a 93-66 loss to Nebraska in the Big Ten quarterfinals, Ware wasn't sure he did a enough to fully convince scouts he was a first-round talent.
"A little bit yeah, a little bit no," Ware said.
IndyStar sports reporter Zion Brown contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball sophomore Kel'el Ware declares for 2024 NBA draft
