The Indiana men’s basketball team will have to replace its leading scorer and rebounder from this season.
Sophomore center Kel’el Ware announced on his Instagram account this morning that he was entering the NBA Draft. He is projected to be a late first round pick.
“Thank you, Indiana, it has been a pleasure to wear cream and crimson and have an opportunity to play for the greatest fans in the world,” Ware wrote in his post. “I am so grateful for the experience. You have all welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to develop into the player that I am.”
The 7-foot Ware transferred to Indiana from Oregon and averaged 15.9 points and 9.9 rebounds in his one season at Indiana, earning second team All-Big Ten honors.
While Ware stood out, the Hoosiers struggled at times this season, finishing 19-14 overall and 10-10 in the Big Ten. They failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in head coach Mike Woodson’s three seasons.
“To my teammates who have become more like family, I’m thankful for how we have stuck together through the ups and downs of the season,” Ware wrote. “Although this season didn’t go how any of us had planned, I wouldn’t trade the days with you for anything. You are my brothers.”
Ware is the fourth Hoosier to leave the program since the end of the season. Sophomores CJ Gunn and Kaleb Banks and junior Payton Sparks have all entered the transfer portal. And with the graduation of Xavier Johnson and Anthony Walker, IU now has seven open scholarships to fill.
