Kel’el Ware isn’t expected to enter NBA draft after leaving Oregon
Oregon center Kel’el Ware on Monday told Travis Branham of 247Sports that he will enter the transfer portal and remain in college basketball for next season.
Ware, a former five-star prospect from Little Rock, Arkansas, started the season projected to be a first-round pick in the NBA draft this year. However, after an inconsistent season, Ware will leave the program and play elsewhere next year as a sophomore.
He is not expected to pursue the draft.
Ware will be the highest-rated player in the portal following his decision and will be highly recruited in the coming weeks. He has reportedly already been contacted by several programs, including Arkansas, Duke, Gonzaga and Kansas State, according to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports.
Oregon transfer Kel'el Ware tells me he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:
Duke
Gonzaga
Memphis
Auburn
Arkansas
Missouri
LSU
Texas A&M
Texas
Kansas St.
Illinois
Florida St.
Oklahoma St.
Ole Miss
SMU
TCUFormer 5⭐️ recruit https://t.co/LMp6ryvSZh…
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 28, 2023
The 7-footer averaged 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 35 games with the Ducks. He figures to bring an overall game and versatility to his next team but will need to improve in all aspects after a down freshman campaign.
Underclassmen have until April 23 to declare for the draft.
