One of the top freshmen from the 2022 NCAA Basketball recruiting class was Kel’el Ware, a 7’0 center from the state of Arkansas. He committed to the Oregon Ducks and had potential to be a “one and done” NBA Draft prospect.
The problem was that it never worked out for multiple reasons overall. Ware finished this past season with 6.6 ppg and 4.1 rpg in 16 mpg played off the bench. But if you put that out to per 40 averages, the freshman would’ve averaged 16.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg, and 3.3 blocks per game.
The big issue that never worked out was that Oregon had a starting center in N’Faly Dante, one of the team’s few bright spots this year. It was clear early on that those two couldn’t play together, affecting Ware’s numbers.
But when Ware got extended playing time, he played well. He was great in the PK85 Legacy bracket, scoring 17 points and nine rebounds against Michigan State and going for 18 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes against Adama Sanogo and UConn.
BREAKING: Oregon freshman Kel’el Ware, the former No. 7 overall prospect and McDonald’s All American, will enter the transfer portal and has no intention of entering the 2023 NBA Draft, he tells @247Sports.
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) March 27, 2023
Story: https://t.co/E37bLa9x5H pic.twitter.com/arHorc4sKK
At the right spot, Ware has the chance to be a breakout star as a sophomore. The former high school McDonald’s All-American still is a high-level athlete and can be a potent post-scorer. And considering how much frontcourt transfers are coveted, expect plenty of interest from other teams in the coming days.
Here’s a look at eight programs that would make sense for Ware and could be a good fit on both sides.