Kel’el Ware

Updated on 7/2/24.  Written by Alan Lu.
2024 rankings were finalized on 6/25/24.

Height: 7-0
Weight: 235
College: Indiana
Classification: Sophomore
Birthdate: 4/20/2004

2024 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 14
Projected Draft Range: Mid to Late 1st Round
2024 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 15 by the Miami Heat

Pros:

Solid shooter for a big man, has stretch big potential
Decent low post scorer
Excels at scoring on off-ball motion plays
Decent playmaker for his size
Solid rebounder
Decent defender that can get steals
Solid shot blocker
Good athlete
Good hands

Cons:

Can struggle to score in traffic
Can be careless on offense, which can lead to turnovers
Can be too passive on offense
Can be undisciplined defensively
Must get stronger

Summary:

Kel’el Ware is a very athletic, skilled center that played very well for Indiana this past season.  He has versatile scoring skills, and he is a very good rebounder and shot blocker that can protect and lock down the paint.  He had a disappointing, underwhelming freshman season at Oregon, but Ware followed it up by having a strong sophomore season at Indiana. He is a talented big man whose size, versatility, skill set, and athleticism could enable him to be a mid first round pick in 2024.

Links:
RealGM Profile
NBADraft.Net Profile
Wikipedia Page
ESPN’s Early 2023 NBA Mock Draft
On3’s Article on Ware Transferring to Indiana

Games Scouted:
3/29/22 2022 McDonald’s All-American Game
4/8/22 2022 Nike Hoops Summit
4/15/22 2022 Jordan Brand Classic
11/20/22 Oregon vs. Houston
11/19/23 Indiana vs. Connecticut

If you use any portion of this material, please credit NBA Scouting Live.