Kel'el Ware Responds to Physicality, Wins First Big Ten Battle Against Maryland

Center Kel'el Ware led the Hoosiers with 18 points and 14 rebounds in Friday night's win over Maryland, proving he has what it takes to succeed in the physical Big Ten.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Kel’el Ware dominated undersized mid-major opponents with a trio of 20-point efforts in the first six games of his Indiana career.

But his 2-for-10 shooting night against UConn and fellow projected first-round pick center Donovan Clingan begged the question – can he handle the physicality of the Big Ten?

During Friday night’s 65-53 win over Maryland, Ware’s first Big Ten game, he answered that with a resounding “yes.”

“I thought [Ware] did a great job holding his own,” Indiana coach Mike Woodson said. “And demanding the ball and making plays when he got the ball.”

Maryland swarmed Ware early and often, bringing double and triple teams whenever he caught the ball in the post. They were physical to the point of daring officials to call fouls, and attempted to force Ware to kick the ball out to Indiana’s shaky 3-point shooters.

Ware was up for the challenge, though. He finished with a team-high 18 points on an efficient 8-for-12 shooting, and his game-high 14 rebounds powered Indiana’s 46-30 advantage on the glass.

"The Big Ten is tough," Woodson said. "They let you play. So if you don't come and meet the challenge, then you'll be exposed as a team. I thought tonight we were the more aggressive team tonight."

Indiana Hoosiers center Kel'el Ware (1) move to shoot the ball while Maryland Terrapins forward Jordan Geronimo (22) and forward Julian Reese (10) defend in the first half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the game, Ware's assignment on Maryland big man Julian Reese was a matchup to watch. Reese entered the game averaging 15 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. At 6-foot-9, he’s a legitimate candidate for All-Big Ten honors this year. Ware won Friday’s battle.

Reese dealt with foul trouble throughout the game, picking up his third less than a minute into the second half and his fourth about five minutes later. As a result, he couldn’t be as physical as he may have wanted with Ware, who snatched 11 of his 14 rebounds in the second half and was second among Hoosiers with six points in the final 20 minutes. Reese finished the game with 14 points on 5-for-11 shooting with eight rebounds and four fouls.

Ware transferred to Indiana this year after a freshman campaign at Oregon, where coach Dana Altman outwardly critiqued his effort. Many thought Ware would be a one-and-done lottery pick after a year at Oregon, but he decided to return to college and improve under Woodson’s direction.

ESPN released a mock draft this week, and Ware appeared at No. 22. If performances like this continue – the 7-footer also showcased a nifty assist, a blocked shot and a 3-pointer – his stock will continue to rise.

Ware’s versatile skill set and potential has always been obvious, but Friday’s performance was the most convincing sign yet that he can succeed in a hard-fought contest. Woodson was proud of Ware’s response to his first taste of physical Big Ten basketball.

“He's been smacked around a little bit this early season,” Woodson said. “Hey, it's part of the game, man. You've got to get in the fight.” 

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• IU-MARYLAND GAME STORY: Indiana opened Big Ten play in style on Friday night, beating Maryland 65-53 in a game that wasn't really that close. The Hoosiers had four players in double figures, led by Kel'el Ware with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Trey Galloway added 12 points, six rebounds and six assists, and IU is now 6-1 on the season. CLICK HERE
• WOODSON'S POSTGAME COMMENTS: Here's everything Indiana coach Mike Woodson said after the Hoosiers' 65-53 win in their Big Ten opener against Maryland. CLICK HERE