Former IU basketball center Kel’el Ware receives high praise for play during NBA Summer League

Former IU basketball center Kel’el Ware has had a long journey to get to the NBA. Despite a successful sophomore season with Indiana, there were still doubters about how he would translate to the next level — mainly based on the ‘lazy’ connotation that had been connected to him since high school.

But, this last week and a half seemed to cement himself as a sure-fire NBA player and a rookie who could have a significant impact right away.

Ware ended his summer with averages of 18.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game and helped lift the Miami Heat to a Summer League Championship on Monday.

Ware had four 20-point games, including 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Championship.

He was even named First-Team All-Summer League.

The 7-footer has been impressive every step of the way since he arrived on campus in Bloomington last year — and that has continued to carry over.

The high motor, versatile skillset and defensive ability he showed with IU basketball was on full display in Vegas and that has caught the eye of numerous scouts and analysts.

“Despite a short stretch of games, Miami Heat’s Kel’el Ware is turning a corner — he was productive, looked extremely comfortable in Las Vegas and has landed in an excellent developmental spot with the Heat,” ESPN insider Jeremy Woo wrote. “Reputed for his inconsistent motor outweighing his considerable coordination and touch around the basket, the game is coming easily to Ware right now. He has more space to operate and for guards finding him for lobs. I was initially unsure about the fit when Miami took him 15th in the draft, but his trajectory is pointing in the right direction.”

Ware finished Summer League with four double-doubles in six games, including three in the final four games.

His ability to score around the rim was already known. Over the last week, however, it was his rebounding ability and high energy in the paint that stood out.

That was a sentiment that former Heat forward and current VP of Basketball Development Udonis Haslem echoed earlier in the week.

“I definitely complimented him on that, Haslem said. “His motor’s been amazing. The game that he had, 26 points and 11 rebounds, the first thing I said was I love the rebounds. Bring that motor. Bring that activity. Bring that competitive nature.”

Ware, who was the 15th overall pick in last month’s draft, took winning the Summer League to heart — as he has throughout the first few weeks of his professional career.

“It’s good to be around this because it gets you ready for the bigger stage,” Ware said. “Especially being around the atmosphere and just getting used to it.”

Now, it’s back to work for Ware u til he takes the court again during the preseason.

SEE ALSO: Whether it be IU basketball alumni or players with no ties to the program, this Assembly Ball team has one mission — Win

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