NCAA Basketball Recruiting: 5 biggest standouts from Hoophall Classic

NCAA Basketball Recruiting: 5 biggest standouts from 2020 Hoophall Classic

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: A basketball net, hoop, backboard and shot clock are shown before a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament between the UCLA Bruins and the Arizona Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 78-67 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – JANUARY 11: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena on January 11, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

A lesser known name heading into the tournament, Ware made his presence felt at Hoophall.

Lance Ware is not as highly regarded as some of the other guys to make this list. The No. 44 ranked prospect in the ESPN Top 100 and the Kentucky commit was matched up with Evan Mobley for his only game at Hoophall. It appears Ware took the matchup with the country’s No. 1 prospect personally as he put up 18 points, 14 rebounds, and four steals in a win for his team.

What stood out the most about Ware’s performance was his energy level, effort, and intensity. Ware played with a fire and passion that inspired his team and actually wound up getting the entire crowd into the game.

Ware’s game isn’t as polished as some other members of his class, but you can’t teach the motor that he already possesses. At Hoophall, Ware seemed to treat each possession as if it could have been his last. He fought for rebounds, was strong inside, and found ways to overwhelm the taller Mobley at times.

Kentucky fans and Coach Calipari will fall in love with Ware’s effort and passion from Day 1, and if his skills continue to improve, the Wildcats could have themselves yet another blue-chip prospect on their hands going forward.

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