The Indiana basketball program held its second annual pro day on Friday for NBA scouts but one player was missing on the court. And, a signifiant one at that.
Oregon transfer center Kel’el Ware was a non-participant due to a shoulder injury. The projected first-round draft pick was a significant pickup for Indiana in the offseason and looks to slot into a starting spot, one held by All-American Trayce Jackson-Davis.
At Big Ten Media Day on Tuesday, head coach Mike Woodson provided a positive injury update, saying Ware was back on the floor on Monday and, while still in some limited contact, is improving nicely.
“He is a very skillful player. The first time I’ve coached a 7’2″ guy after all the years I’ve spent in the NBA. It’s just a matter for him I think of getting comfortable with the Big Ten and working hard,” Woodson said about Ware on Tuesday. “I think a lot of these young players, they truly believe they work hard, and I’ve always felt there’s another level that you can always reach as a player. I’ve got to get him to that level. He has been working. He stuck around this summer and put in a lot of time. I’m pleased with his work ethic, but he still has a long way to go I think.”
Kel’el Ware averaged just 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game a year ago, but was the No. 2 overall transfer this offseason.
Watch: Full Ride Network previews Indiana basketball 2023-24 season
Coming into his freshman season he was projected as a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. It was an inconsistent freshman season, while also not being a great fit out west.
The knock on Ware has been his motor. While highly skilled, the consistent questions about effort and intensity is something Woodson and Ware are using as fuel this year.
“Well, when I recruited that young man I told him, you cannot go back and get what happened the year before. You can’t,” Mike Woodson said at Indiana basketball media day. “The word is out; they knocked you and said, hey, you’re lazy, you don’t work hard, and if you make a commitment to me, that’s got to change.”
Indiana basketball begins its season on November 7 against Florida Gulf Coast.
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