Jack’s Take: Tapping Into Kel’el Ware’s Vast Potential Among Mike Woodson’s Biggest Tests

After losing four starters from last year's team, one of Mike Woodson's biggest additions this offseason was Kel'el Ware, a 7-foot transfer from Oregon. Ware drew plenty of criticism during his freshman year, but still boasts NBA potential. Woodson is pushing him hard to reach that goal, and in a new environment, Ware appears more motivated than ever.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – In one underwhelming year at Oregon, Kel’el Ware went from surefire one-and-done to potential bust.  

Now he’s seeking a fresh start at Indiana, where coach Mike Woodson’s biggest challenge is helping the 7-footer to reach his enormous potential. Ware insists he’s more motivated than ever, but he’s the biggest unknown on a roster full of them.

Ware committed to Oregon as a McDonald’s All-American and the No. 7 recruit in the class of 2022. In a 2023 NBA Mock Draft published by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman in August 2022, Ware was the No. 8 overall pick.

Early on, the 7-footer lived up to the hype. In three consecutive games against UConn, Michigan State and Villanova, Ware averaged 16 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.

But as his freshman year progressed, his playing time and production fell off a cliff. Ware went nearly two months without a double-digit scoring night, and he played 10 minutes or less in five of the last six regular season Pac-12 games.

His former coach at Oregon, Dana Altman, explained at least twice during the season why Ware’s role decreased.

After a 13-point, six-rebound performance in a win over Oregon State, Altmain paid Ware what sounded like a backhanded compliment, perhaps hoping to motivate his center.

“Kel’el showed a little bit more aggressiveness, a little bit more energy,” Altman said in December 2022. “There’s still a ton more there, but he at least acted like he wanted to be here tonight.”

Altman’s concerns about Ware carried on nearly a month later.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations,” Altman said in January 2023. “They haven’t gone as well and haven’t been as constructive as we want them to be. I was disappointed in his effort. I let him know that. He’s gonna have to make some adjustments or I’ve got to make some decisions. His time has been reduced. That doesn’t help us, because he is talented.”

“But he hasn’t blocked any shots lately. He hasn’t gotten any hands on balls,” Altman continued. “He’s not using that length. We’ve still got to try to put the best team out there that gives us the best chance. If he’s playing hard, that would help us. But if he’s not, that hurts us.”

Through 35 games, four starts and 15.8 minutes per game as a freshman, Ware averaged 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot 45.7 percent from the field, 27.3 percent on 55 3-point attempts and 71.2 percent from the free throw line.

Although Ware flashed potential early in the season, it was a forgettable freshman campaign, given the expectations. After one year with Altman and the Ducks, Ware entered the transfer portal.

Despite revealing flaws as a freshman, some maintained that Ware was still an NBA talent. He came in at No. 30 overall in a 2023 NBA Mock Draft by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony published in February, and later that month On3’s Jamie Shaw had Ware No. 28 on his 2023 NBA Draft Big Board.

Ware confirmed last week that he considered turning pro after his freshman year, which was the goal when he committed to Oregon. But he ultimately decided not to declare for the draft and entered the transfer portal instead. Ware said he realized he wasn’t strong enough for the NBA yet, and there were still aspects of his game to work on.

While in the transfer portal, Ware noticed a team that lost a first-team All-American big man, but still had players he felt could constitute a good team. And perhaps most importantly, that team had a coach that would push him.

That team was Indiana, and coach Mike Woodson didn’t hold back when I asked him what he can do to get Ware to reach his vast potential.

“When I recruited that young man, I told him, ‘You cannot go back and get what happened the year before. You can't. The word is out. They knocked you and said, ‘Hey, you're lazy. You don't work hard. And if you make a commitment to me, that's got to change,’” Woodson said.

“I'm not always the easiest coach to play for, but I'm in your corner and I'm fair and I want what's best for you and my ballclub. And he made the commitment to me, and I'm going to push him to play at a higher level to help us win basketball games. I can't think or worry about what happened in Oregon. That's gone. He's got to move forward and build a new life here with the Indiana basketball team. That's what it's all about to me."

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson instructs Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jalen Hood-Schifino in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Ware eventually announced his decision in April to join the Hoosiers. He said part of the decision was based around available minutes, but also his conversations with Woodson.

“I know [Woodson is] going to get me to play hard,” Ware said. “He got Trayce Jackson-Davis to play hard, so I'm just ready to get in the practice gym and ready for him to push me to be a better me that I can be."

It was a crucial addition for Woodson and the Hoosiers, who have 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.9 blocks per game to replace with Jackson-Davis now playing for the Golden State Warriors. Ware is ranked No. 2 among all transfers this offseason, and he’s expected to step into the starting spot that Jackson-Davis owned for four seasons.

Indiana point guard Xavier Johnson will likely run plenty of pick-and-rolls with Ware this year, who he called a versatile big. Compared to Jackson-Davis, who was unstoppable at the rim but rarely sought perimeter shots, Ware hopes to add a pick-and-pop element to Indiana’s offense. Add his shot-blocking ability, and Ware says he’s a player that “really can do it all.”

Ware said Jackson-Davis has scrimmaged with the team multiple times this offseason, and his biggest piece of advice was to always play 100 percent. Ware doesn’t feel pressure to replace Jackson-Davis, at least not right now, he said. The soft spoken Ware, whose right shoulder is tattooed "Humble Beast," is simply ready for games to start.

It’s unreasonable to expect Ware to provide the same immense value Jackson-Davis did last year, but his skillset is extremely rare in the Big Ten. And if Woodson can get the most out of him, having a 7-footer who can score inside and out will be a scary sight for opponents. Asked if he’s more comfortable playing in the paint or on the perimeter, Ware said he’s willing to do whatever Woodson asks of him.

Woodson knows he has to push Ware to be his best, but he also recognizes the traits that have put Ware on NBA Draft boards for years.

“Kel’el is an extremely gifted player who will bring a lot to our program," Woodson said in a release. "He is a tremendous athlete whose skill level in all facets of the game will make us better. He’s a rim protector with great size and length, he runs the floor so well, he can shoot and he’s someone who competed and won at a high level in high school.”

Oregon center Kel'el Ware dunks the ball as the Ducks host the Southern California Trojans Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore :: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Since arriving in Bloomington, one of Ware’s top priorities has been getting stronger. He was listed at 210 pounds on Oregon’s roster last year, but he said he came to Indiana at 225.

After a summer of weightlifting and conditioning with Clif Marshall, Indiana’s director of athletic performance, Ware said he’s gained about 15 pounds and feels in better condition than ever. The Indiana roster lists Ware at 242 now, and when asked if he feels any different on the court, Ware responded with a smirk, “No, I just feel stronger.”

So far, he’s enjoying his time in Bloomington.

"Not a knock on Oregon, but I'd probably say here you could tell it's more of a family here,” Ware said. “That's what I love about IU so far."

Reflecting on his freshman year at Oregon, Ware claims it wasn’t tough physically, but the ups and downs wore on him mentally. He feels adversity like that can ultimately improve mental toughness and make him stronger, and he’s motivated to change the narrative surrounding his effort at Oregon last year.

"Some stuff goes unseen,” Ware said. “Coaches are not always in the gym with you whenever you're in there working out, so whatever the coach sees is what the coach sees.”

Ware is one of three transfers joining the Hoosiers this season, along with forwards Anthony Walker from Miami and Payton Sparks from Ball State. Walker, who boasts four years of experience and a trip to the Final Four, said he hangs out with Ware more than anyone on the team. Though there remains a lot to learn and weaknesses to improve upon, Walker said Ware is a hard worker who has embraced the adversity and past criticisms.

And like so many others, Walker sees Ware’s sky-high ceiling. It’s just a matter of pushing him to reach it. Throughout his first few months at Indiana, Walker has reason to believe that could happen.

“He’s going to be a real problem in this league,” Walker said. “I honestly believe that, because with a coach like Mike Woodson and with the teammates around him, we tend to hold people accountable. We push people. So he’s not going to get off easy. He has no choice but to put the work in. He has been putting the work in, and he’s only going to grow.”

Indiana's Kel'el Ware talks to the media during the Indiana University basketball media day at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 :: Bobby Goddin/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Woodson afforded Ware a prime opportunity at Indiana. Like any player, he’ll have to earn minutes, but there are plenty available with Jackson-Davis and others gone.

If it all works out, Ware might only spend one season at Indiana before he’s off to the NBA. It’s also possible he never pans out and reaches expectations. It’s a two-way street. It’ll only work out if Ware puts in the required work and Woodson discovers how to best utilize his skills.

What’s not left to wonder, though, is either side’s motivation.

“That's what I'm looking for going into this season, just to prove everyone wrong,” Ware said. “Some people say I don't have a motor, so I'm just ready to prove them wrong."

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