Kentucky Transfer Lance Ware Reportedly Visiting St. John's

Ware could head close to home and play for a former Kentucky head coach.

On May 4, Lance Ware announced that he was entering the transfer portal after spending three tumultuous seasons in Lexington at Kentucky. 

The decision came as a bit of a surprise, as Ware was expected to once again provide bench depth in the frontcourt, despite the uncertainty of a possible Oscar Tshiebwe return. He was named a team captain before last season's NCAA Tournament and played the enforcer role well for the Cats. 

Instead, the Camden, N.J. native is searching for pastures greener and — one would think — some more playing time. A report from Adam Zagoria later on Thursday linked Ware with a potential fit closer to home, as he is expected to visit St. John's:

Lance Ware is expected to visit @StJohnsBBall , per source

6-foot-9 Former Camden High star and NJ native https://t.co/pfzxMhAkDE

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 4, 2023

The Red Storm of course now comes with a Kentucky connection, as former Wildcats skipper Rick Pitino is the new skipper in New York City. Buzz is palpable in the Big Apple, as Pitino attempts to revive a storied program that has hit some lows in recent years. With it being close to home for Ware, a transfer to SJU would make sense. 

"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 as a Wildcat, 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."

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

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