Kel’el Ware turns in dominant performance as Indiana basketball front court continues to shine

The Indiana basketball program wrapped up the second and final exhibition game on Friday night with a 94-61 win over Marian and the biggest storyline was the play of the IU front court — led by transfer center Kel’el Ware.

Indiana’s starting front line of Ware, Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako were dominant. The trio combined for 49 points on 18-of-28 from the field, 6-of-9 on 3s and finished with 19 rebounds.

While all three were terrific in their own right, it was Ware who stood out above all. He had 20 points and 11 rebounds and shot 8-of-13 from the field — including one made three.

He showcased his entire skillset, a skillset that has NBA scouts so intrigued. Ware’s energy and motor has been in question all offseason, but through two games, he’s been able to silence some of that talk. On Friday, Ware showed bis ability on the pick and roll, was dominant in the post on the block and even showcased his ability as a rim runner in the open floor.

“Well, I mean, it’s been a lot of really going at him in practice to get him to be aggressive and do the things that we want him to do on the offensive end. And he’s starting to show some signs that he can do that,” Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson said postgame. “I mean, he’s a skilled guy, but we’ve got to get him now where — because it’s getting ready to start for real now, and he’s going to be playing much bigger guys, more talented bigs. I’m just curious to see where he’s going to be once we start that journey.”

Through two exhibition games, he averaged 17.0 points and 8.5 rebounds on 14-of-23 from the field. He was also 2-of-3 on 3s and had three blocks.

What’s even more impressive is his motor and production gets better and better as the game goes on. On Friday, Ware had 15 points and four rebounds in the second half. On Sunday, Ware had 12 points after halftime. He was a combined 11-of-13 from the field in both games in the second half.

“I feel like my game has just been evolved, and the more I get in shape, like Coach Woodson said, the past previous practice he’s been pushing me to run hard and all the coaches have,” Ware said postgame. “The more I get in condition, I feel like we’re going to be a better team.

“I would say it’s mental. Like I said, in the first half, everything would be sped up, when all I have to do is just slow down and everything will come to you, the floor will open, you’ll be able to see everything, instead of just rushing into a move to it.”

At Ware’s 7-foot frame and even longer wingspan, his ability to provide an even greater vertical threat is such an asset to Indiana in the half court. His versatility to step out and keep the defense honest from the perimeter is another boost to the Indiana guards.

“I would say he just creates a lot more space vertically and just throughout the court, especially to be able to step out and shoot like he can. Bigs can’t get detached from him,” Indiana freshman guard Gabe Cupps said. “If they go out and close out on him, he’s athletic and he moves well enough to be able to put it on the floor and back cut and throw lobs, be a threat vertically too.”

For Ware’s front court counterparts, Mackenzie Mgbako had 15 points on 5-of-8 from the field, including three 3s, and Malik Reneau added 14 points on 5-of-7 from the field — including 2-of-3 from three.

Reneau had two 3s all of last season. Both 3s on Friday were nothing but net and provides another intriguing storyline to follow this season.

As for Mgbako — he’s the prototypical NBA wing that Indiana has been missing for years.

That trio has combined to averaged 44.5 points through two exhibition games.

The Indiana basketball program takes the floor for its season opener on Nov. 7 at home against Florida Gulf Coast.

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