Indiana sophomore Kel’el Ware announced Tuesday on Instagram that he will declare for the 2024 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility after one season with the Hoosiers.
Ware was named to the All-Big Ten second team after averaging 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 assists on 58.6% shooting from the field in 30 games. He was one of two players in the conference to average at least 15 points and nine rebounds (Zach Edey, Purdue).
The 7-footer led the Big Ten in rebound percentage (26.0) and finished second in rebounding, field-goal percentage and double-doubles (15). He was fifth in blocks and 12th in scoring.
Ware transferred to Indiana after playing his freshman year at Oregon. He started that season projected to be a first-round pick in the draft, but after an inconsistent campaign, he decided to enter the transfer portal and move to Bloomington.
He is now considered a mid-to-late first-round pick after a strong year. He impressed in a larger role with his rebounding and ability to block shots, and has shown some floor spacing after converting 42.5% from 3-point range on 1.3 attempts per game.
Ware projects to provide teams drafting in the first round with some versatility in the frontcourt, with his size and ability. He will be able to showcase himself in front of teams in workouts, and the draft combine May 12-19 in Chicago, Illinois.
