Lance Ware reminisces on time at Kentucky: "They have better fans than most of the NBA teams."

How about Lance Ware? The former four-star recruit was a fan favorite for three years in Lexington — maybe not a game-wrecking talent, but a player who certainly loved to mix it up with opponents and made big plays in key moments. He was the enforcer every program needs, and Big Blue Nation sure enjoyed having him around for three seasons.

After he left, he spent one season earning a bag at Villanova to play a similar role — totally fair on his part — before transferring to UT Arlington under head coach K.T. Turner where he had his best season in college, averaging 13.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest.

Now, he’s suiting up for the New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Summer League before heading to Greece to play for Iraklis BC, signing with the Greek Basketball League squad in early July.

Ahead of his pro career taking off, he sat down with Christos Tsaltas of Athletiko to reminisce on his time in Lexington playing for what he calls one of the best fanbases in all of sports.

“I was really blessed to play at a school like Kentucky that has the best fans in the United States,” Ware said. “They have better fans than most of the NBA teams and they’re incredibly loyal. I know what it’s like and I know how much the fans want to win, just like the players and the coaches want to win. … You’re not just playing for yourself and your teammates — there are millions of fans who love Kentucky and have been watching Kentucky basketball since they were born, and it’s part of their family tradition.

“Like, if you lose, everyone’s sad. If you win, everyone’s happy. And there are some negatives and some positives. But it’s really so much more than just playing basketball. Honestly, the amount of community service and everything we’ve done while I’ve been at Kentucky is what made my experience at Kentucky even better.”

Lance Ware picked up his 5 best teammates throughout his Kentucky tenure.

Oscar Tshiebwe
Cason Wallace
Antonio Reeves
Sahvir Wheeler
Jacob Toppin#Kentucky #BBN pic.twitter.com/2DNaVNFLnE

— Christos Tsaltas (@Tsaltas46) July 13, 2025

Big Blue Nation knows that Kentucky eat, sleeps and breathes basketball. Fans are passionate about football, too, but basketball unlocks a different level of excitement and obsession you won’t find anywhere else.

That always brought the best out of Ware in his three seasons as a Wildcat, feeding off that energy inside Rupp Arena every night.

“Just to be a part of that, you get put on a pedestal at Kentucky. And just to be able to help people and bring joy to people and make someone’s day, that’s what Kentucky is all about,” he said. “And obviously, on the (floor), you have to give 100 percent. It’s like you expect every time you’re on the (floor), you have to give 100 percent. And if you don’t, then obviously you’re out of the game. So I think having that experience early in my college career really helped me.”

All eyes are on the Kentucky vs. Louisville rivalry matchup every year, but Ware said it extends beyond the blue and red. The Wildcats had a target on their back every time they stepped on the floor — “Everyone’s Super Bowl,” as one old friend used to say.

“I wouldn’t just say the Louisville game. Every game Kentucky plays is the biggest game of the year for the other team,” Ware said. “That’s the game the coach prepares for. That’s the game the coach wants to win. And that’s the game the players want to win. So I think knowing that when you’re on good teams, people give you 100 percent of your potential.”

Speaking of that old friend, Ware had nothing but good things to say about John Calipari and their time together in Lexington. They went their separate ways a few years ago — followed by Coach Cal leaving Kentucky himself — but their relationship remains strong.

He could call Calipari today and he knows his former coach would pick up.

“I would like to say that as one of my mentors, I can still call him today and I know he would understand. He taught me a lot,” Ware said. “He taught me more than just basketball as a sport. He taught me how to participate in the community. He helped shape me into the person I am today.”

When Ware earned a Summer League deal with the Knicks — where his old high school coach, Rick Brunson, is on staff and the father of NYK star Jalen Brunson — and signed with Iraklis BC, Calipari wished him all best.

“He was just so happy to see me flourish and be able to continue my career. He’s a great guy,” he said. “A lot of people say a lot of bad things about him, but I can never say anything bad about him. He’s helped me so much, even if I wasn’t playing 30 minutes a game. He’s helped me become a better person.”

For more of Lance Ware’s conversation with Athletiko’s Christos Tsaltas on his time at Kentucky and the next steps of his basketball journey, read the full interview here.

Once a Cat, always a Cat.