Former IU basketball standout Kel’el Ware does something no NBA player has done in the last 40 years

Former IU basketball big man Kel’el Ware is continuing to rise during his rookie season in the NBA.

On Tuesday night, Kel’el Ware got his first NBA start in his short professional career in the Miami Heat’s loss to the Portland Trailblazers. In that game, Kel’el Ware finished with a double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds while also adding 2 blocks, as well. The last time a player was able to put up an impressive 20+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks in their first start of the NBA career was 40 years ago.

The player that last did that? NBA great David Robinson.

“I’ve waited my whole life to have an opportunity like this, to start an NBA game,” said former IU basketball standout Kel’el Ware after the game on Tuesday night. “But in the end it’s all about winning, so it’s a bittersweet taste in my mouth.”

Over the course of Ware’s last five games for the Miami Heat, the rookie big man has put up 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks all while shooting 52 percent from the field including 39 percent from three.

“He’s one of my favorite players in the NBA,” Heat guard Tyler Herro said of Kel’el Ware. “Watching him grow, (I’m) really excited for it. He’s a guy that keeps taking steps forward. He loves to learn. Loves to pick up on different things and I’m excited to watch him grow (more).”

The Miami Heat selected Ware with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. In his lone season playing for Mike Woodson and Indiana, Ware was one of the more dominant players in the entire landscape of college basketball with his 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 assists per game. His play last season earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team.

Below are full highlights of Kel’el Ware’s first NBA start.

SEE ALSO: Kel’el Ware ‘keeps taking steps forward’ during rookie campaign for Miami Heat

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