Kel'el Ware Shows All-Around Game, Sparks Second-Half Run To Beat Florida Gulf Coast

Indiana's 7-foot center Kel'el Ware showcased a versatile game that's landed him on NBA Draft boards in Tuesday night's 69-63 win over Florida Gulf Coast. Ware finished the game with 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Florida Gulf Coast had Indiana on the ropes. 

Trailing 48-45 with just over 10 minutes to play, Eagles' guard Chase Johnston dribbled right, looking to drive off a screen from Keeshawn Kellman. Indiana center Kel'el Ware hedged the screen, then formed a sturdy trap with Galloway, as Johnston faced the scorer's table. 

Ware ripped the ball from Johnston's grasp, then threw it ahead to a sprinting Xavier Johnson, who finished an easy transition layup. An otherwise anxious Assembly Hall crowd grew louder than it had been all night. Indiana grabbed the momentum.

On the following defensive possession, Johnson slid over to absorb a charge, then Galloway put the Hoosiers back on top with a soft-touch floater. This was the heart of a 14-0 Indiana run from the 10:35 to 6:50 mark of the second half, which gave the Hoosiers the cushion they needed to withstand a late Eagle surge and hang on to a 69-63 season-opening win. 

The game-shifting play felt like Ware's steal and assist to Johnson, which was one bullet point in a well-rounded effort for the Oregon transfer, who oozes with potential. 

In 36 minutes, Ware finished the game with 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. He shot just 2-for-5 overall, but Florida Gulf Coast was physical all game, and Ware took advantage with an 8-for-12 night from the free throw line. 

Indiana Hoosiers center Kel'el Ware (1) celebrates a basket with guard Gabe Cupps (2) in the second half against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 7-footer even stepped out to knock down a three from the left wing, which will be difficult for any opponent to handle if he can do so on a consistent basis. Indiana's offense experienced a few field goal droughts in this game, but it clicked for a few moments in the second half when using Ware as a distributor. He dished three of his four assists in two-minute span, which led to a mini 7-4 Indiana run. 

Indiana had a few defensive breakdowns that led to Florida Gulf Coast making 13 3-pointers on Tuesday, which Ware attributed to defensive communication that can be ironed out with more experience together. But perhaps the most consistent and reliable way Ware will contribute this season is by using his incredible length to protect the rim. He forcefully swatted three shots on Tuesday, and one looked more like chest pass to the third row of the bleachers. 

While Ware showed a variety of tools that make him a projected first-round NBA draft pick, Woodson isn't complicating his role. 

"He plugged the hole up for us and got a few blocks, rebounded the ball for us. I don't need him to do much more," Woodson said. "Just continue to do that. When he's around the bucket, I expect him to finish and make his damn free throws. That's what it's all about."

Indiana Hoosiers Sophomore Kel’el Ware in the first half

• 8 PTS
• 8 REB
• 3 BLK
• 1/2 FG (5/8 FT) #NBADraft | (🎥 via @CBBonFOX)

pic.twitter.com/ezpofJ6hwp

— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) November 8, 2023

Ware was criticized by some for his lack of effort as a freshman at Oregon, and Woodson has said throughout the preseason that he's pushing Ware to play hard, knowing he has vast potential. Woodson is anxious to see Ware go up against more talented bigs, like UConn's Donovan Clingan or Auburn's Johni Broome, who he'll face within the next month. 

And for Ware, it's all about steady growth. 

"I feel like my game has just been evolved," Ware said after Indiana's exhibition win over Marian on Friday. "And the more I get in shape, like Coach Woodson said, the past previous practice he's been pushing me to run hard and all the coaches have. The more I get in condition, I feel like we're going to be a better team."

Related stories on Indiana basketball

• GAME STORY: Indiana struggled for most of its season opener against Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday, but a big 14-0 run midway through the second half helped give them a 69-63 victory. Senior guard Trey Galloway led the way with 16 points, and four Hoosiers were in double figures. CLICK HERE
• WHAT WOODSON SAID: Following Indiana's 69-63 win over Florida Gulf Coast, coach Mike Woodson discussed freshman Gabe Cupps' impact, Indiana's defense and much more. Here's everything Woodson said. CLICK HERE
• WHAT GALLOWAY, WARE SAID: Indiana senior guard Trey Galloway and sophomore center Kel'el Ware played key roles in the Hoosiers' 69-63 win over Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday. Here's everything they said after the game. CLICK HERE