Former Kentucky Forward Lance Ware Visiting Providence

The northeast continues to call the former Wildcat.

After three seasons at Kentucky, forward Lance Ware is in the transfer portal and looking for a new program to round out his college basketball career. 

The Camden, N.J. native's 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. 

So far, a move closer to home seems to be a likely option. Earlier this month, it was reported that he Ware was visiting coach Rick Pitino and St. John's. On Monday, a report from 247Sports' Travis Branham indicated that another Big East team is in the mix — the Providence Friars:

Kentucky transfer Lance Ware is currently on campus for an official visit to Providence, a source tells @247SportsPortal.

— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) May 15, 2023

Ware and UK of course played and defeated Providence in the Round of 64 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament this past March, but things are much different in Friartown heading into the upcoming campaign. 

After rumors of then-head coach Ed Cooley perhaps leaving his hometown school dominated the lead-up to the game against Kentucky, they came to fruition soon after, as Cooley left to become the new HC at Georgetown. 

Providence has since hired George Mason coach Kim English, who will attempt to usher in a new era of basketball in Rhode Island. Ware could become a part of the new regime. 

"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."

Options are around for the former Wildcat. 

5-star center Flory Bidunga working to schedule Kentucky visit

Kentucky interested in former Texas commit Ron Holland

Former Kentucky point guard Sahvir Wheeler transferring to Washington

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

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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