Former Kentucky Forward Lance Ware Transferring to Villanova

Ware will remain a Wildcat, but he won't be in Lexington.

Lance Ware is headed to the Big East. 

On Saturday afternoon, On3's Joe Tipton reported that the three-year Wildcat is headed to Villanova to join new head coach Kyle Neptune: 

NEWS: Kentucky transfer Lance Ware has committed to Villanova, he tells @On3sports.

Former 4⭐️ recruit.

Story: https://t.co/pWKZm9vg78 pic.twitter.com/Get0TKhQ9r

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 20, 2023

The news comes following reports of the Camden, N.J. native taking visits to both St. John's and Providence. His entry into the portal came as a bit of a surprise, but with the uncertainty surrounding the possibilities of the Wildcats' frontcourt next season, he opted to forego another season as the bench-leader and instead look for some playing time elsewhere.

"My time at Kentucky has been a journey that has shaped me not only as a basketball player, but as a man. I've really been through it all - COVID, the loss of my brother Terrence Clarke, amazing charity work, big wins, electric atmospheres in Rupp Arena and during every step Big Blue Nation has been behind me. Your support has easily been the best part of this journey," Ware wrote in his transfer announcement.

Across his three seasons at UK, Ware played 77 games and made nine starts. he averaged 1.8 points and 2.2 rebounds, though his impact was often made as a teammate on and off the court. He made six starts last season and was named a team captain ahead of UK's NCAA Tournament run.

"Lance has gotten better every year. He’s an exceptional leader & as good a teammate as I’ve ever coached," UK head coach John Calipari tweeted. "He knows he is welcome to return if he doesn’t find the opportunity he’s looking for. Lance is Ellen’s favorite player, so I’m really not looking forward to telling her the news."

Now, he'll head closer to home and join the new era of Villanova basketball. 

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Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.

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