Fred Hoiberg Says Limiting Kel'el Ware Key Factor For Nebraska vs. Indiana

Kel'el Ware scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Indiana in the first meeting against Nebraska. Coach Fred Hoiberg says one of the keys to success for the Huskers at Assembly Hall will be limiting the Hoosiers' big man on Wednesday night.

Nebraska might've defeated Indiana 86-70 in the first meeting in Lincoln, but Huskers coach Fred Hoiberg knows how dangerous the Hoosiers can be. He's keeping a particular eye on 7-footer Kel'el Ware.

Although the effort came in a loss, Ware had a tremendous night against the Huskers. He scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked two shots and dished two assists.

Hoiberg was asked about the trouble the Indiana big man presents to the Huskers, who head to Assembly Hall Wednesday night. 

"Ware's length (and athleticism) is what makes him special. He's got a great touch, as well. Really good hands," Hoiberg said. "Can step out and knock down shots. He's a force at the rim. He got four or five lobs against us in the first go-round. 

"So, just have to limit him the best you can. Limit him the best you can, contest him. He's gonna make some shots — can't get deflated. Just try to take away the easy ones. If he's making a contested jump hook or if he's hitting a turnaround shot, those are the ones you have to try and live with. But if you give him dunks and plays at the basket and offensive rebounds, that's where he's gonna really hurt you."

Ware has played extremely well in Indiana's last five games, recording three double-doubles in that span. In Sunday's 76-72 loss to Northwestern, the 7-footer scored 22 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked four shots.

On the season, Ware is averaging 15 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per contest.

Ware has been his most impactful close to the basket this season, although he's shown the ability to knock down long-range jumpers. Hoiberg said keeping the sophomore out of the painted area is a big key for the Huskers.

"Ball pressure, hand pressure. Need to do a better job of getting on the inside," Hoiberg said when asked how to prevent Ware from getting easy baskets. 

"We need to rotate better and we need to block out. He's really good — especially when he has a free lane to the basket — on tip-dunks. You just have to try to push him out and force him out as much as you can."

Wednesday's game at Assembly Hall is a big one. The Hoosiers are hoping to get some sort of momentum for the final stretch of the season. Nebraska is hoping to get its first road win in the Big Ten this season.

Related stories on Indiana basketball

• TOM BREW COLUMN: Mike Woodson is going to be 66 years old in a few weeks, and the Indiana basketball coach can't keep doing this forever. He was asked Tuesday how long he wants to coach and he said ''I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, guys.'' CLICK HERE
• HOW TO WATCH: Indiana continues the 2023-24 season on Wednesday against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. Here's how to watch, game time and TV information, the point spread and over/under, the coaching matchup, series history, predicted score, stats, rankings and more. CLICK HERE
• MEET THE OPPONENT: Nebraska heads to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for the return game against Indiana on Wednesday. The Huskers won the first meeting in Lincoln 86-70. The Hoosiers are looking for revenge on their home court while the Huskers are searching for their first Big Ten road win. CLICK HERE