Indiana Player Scouting Report: Kel’el Ware

As it was announced this evening per his instagram, former Oregon power forward Kel’el Ware made the decision to commit to Indiana after entering the transfer portal after one season with the Ducks. He committed coming off an on-campus visit.

Going into this offseason, it was very clear that Mike Woodson and Indiana needed to fill a few huge holes in their frontcourt rotation with the departures of Trayce Jackson-Davis, Race Thompson, Jordan Geronimo, and Logan Duncomb. They started to find those replacements with the commitment former ball state forward Payton Sparks last week and now have the addition of Ware as well.

Ware comes in having played just one season with the Oregon Ducks where averaged 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He played in 35 games last season with four starts and averaged 15.8 minutes a game. He was sixth in the Pac-12 in total blocks. His per-40 minute stats included 16.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game.

Ware, an Arkansas native, came into last season as the the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2022 class.

At 7-feet, 215-pounds, Ware brings many things to this Indiana program. While he is still very raw in some aspects of his game, he has already proven to be a terrific rebounder and rim runner due to his high motor. His elite athletic ability and lanky length allows him to be a problem around the basket on both ends. Even though his rawness is still an issue somewhat, he still has enough fluidity and skill to make an impact.

Offensively, he can provide multiple options that last year’s Indiana bigs could not do at times. Although his touch is not the greatest or smoothest, he  does have the ability to finish at the rim at a high level due to his elite his athleticism. Ware is also a guy that can stretch the floor with the potential to only improve in that area. In his freshman season at Oregon, he shot 15-of-55 from three (27.3 percent) so as a defender you have to at least respect his outside jumper. Consistency will be the main factor for him on the offensive end next season.

Defensively, Mike Woodson and Indiana bring yet another tough rim protector and shot blocker. Last season, Ware averaged 3.3 blocks per 40 minuets and had a defensive rebound rate of 21.7 percent. He is also versatile enough to not only guard the post, but can get out at times to guard the stretch four around the perimeter. With his size, it is very rare that you see a player like him be as versatile of a defender, however his athleticism and high motor provide that advantage.

As we have seen in the past, Mike Woodson is not afraid to play two bigs at once. As Indiana tries get Malik Reneua to play in his more natural, stretch-four position, Ware coming in and filling the Trayce Jackson-Davis role would be very beneficial for the Hoosiers and would allow that starting front court to be much more athletic than what fans have seen in the previous years.

The pitch from Mike Woodson and Indiana to Kel’el was very simple: come to Indiana and get that same development that Trayce Jackson-Davis had over the last two years and go be a lottery pick next year.

With Ware’s athletic skill and unlimited amount potential, the fit at Indiana could be a perfect match as he looks to improve while the team as a whole tries to reach a new level. With the group of Reneau, Sparks, and now Ware, the Indiana front court is start to take shape.

SEE ALSO: Former 5-star and Oregon transfer center Kel’el Ware commits to Indiana

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