Indiana center Kel'el Ware declares for 2024 NBA Draft
Indiana center Kel’el Ware has made his decision on the 2024 NBA draft. Ware has decided to turn pro, he announced on Instagram Tuesday morning.
Ware started all 30 games he appeared in for the Hoosiers this season. He led Indiana in scoring at 15.9 points per game and in rebounds at 9.9 boards per game.
The Arkansas native was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2023-24 and was named to the All-Big Ten Defensive Team.
“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,” Kel’el Ware posted. “I am so grateful for the experience. You have all welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to develop into the player that I am.”
Ware came to Indiana after starting his career at Oregon. He played in 35 of 36 games for the Ducks in 2022-23, making four starts. Ware averaged 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, before entering to transfer portal.
Kel’el Ware was ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 6 overall player in the country in the class of 2022, according to the On3 Industry rankings.
The former McDonald’s All-American attended North Little Rock High School, winning two state titles during his high school career. He averaged 20.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.7 blocks per game as a senior. Now, after stops at Oregon and Indiana, he is turning pro.
“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. Thank you to Lo and Hailey for guiding me academically and allowing me to succeed. You never lost faith in me, I owe a lot of credit to you all.
“To my teammates who have become more like family, I’m thankful for how we have stuck together through the ups and downs of the season. Although this season didn’t go how any of us had planned, I wouldn’t trade the days with you all for anything. You are my brothers.
“Lastly, I’m grateful to my family back home for always keeping faith in me regardless of the distance. I can always feel the love and support no matter where you all are. From road trips to AAU to flying to games now, you have always been there. To my girl, thank you for being by my side and keeping my head up.”