The IU basketball program has been able to watch multiple of its former players reach the NBA over the last few years under Mike Woodson but none of them may be as highly discussed heading into his rookie year as Kel’el Ware has been this summer.
Fresh off of an NBA Summer League Championship for the Miami Heat, the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ware kept the positive momentum going in his first preseason game. He finished with 13 points on 5-of-9 from the field with five rebounds, four blocks and two seals in 17 minutes of action.
Ware has been a constant talking point — with the main discussion surrounding his motor. It’s a low-hanging fruit that everyone liked to grasp on to following his transfer from Oregon to IU basketball last summer.
But — it’s a sentiment that isn’t consistent with the rest of the Heat organization.
“His motor’s been amazing,” Former Heat forward and current VP of Basketball Development Udonis Haslem said this summer. “The first thing I said was I love the rebounds. Bring that motor. Bring that activity. Bring that competitive nature.”
During Summer League action, Ware had four 20-point games, including 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Championship game.
Ware averaged 18.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game and was named to the All-Summer League First Team.
Now, following his preseason debut, the conversation continued. This time with ESPN Analyst Brian Windhorst.
“Did you guys see what Kel’el Ware the No. 1 pick for the Heat did in his first game,” Windhorst said on the ‘Hoop Collective’ podcast. “This guy looks like Derrick lively with a 3 point shot. Let’s not overreact. But, woah.”
Lively averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebound, 1.4 blocks and shot 74.7 percent as a rookie for the Dallas Mavericks last year during 55 games and 42 starts.
Both are 7-footers and extremely athletic and still somewhat raw offensively in terms of long-term potential.
But, regardless of what Kel’el Ware turns out to be, he has been fantastic to start his Heat career and the former IU basketball center looks to have a very important role for the Miami heat this season.
“They got a steal with Ware,” a NBA scout said to the Miami Herald. “Everyone questioned his motor at Oregon; nobody questioned the talent. And people are going to be disappointed they didn’t take him before Miami selected him 15th.”
The Heat take the floor again during preseason play on Sunday. They begin the regular season on the 23rd against the Orlando Magic.
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