Setting a New Career High, How’s 7’0 NCAA Star Kel’el Ware Shutting Down Haters?

The Indiana Hoosiers star Kel’el Ware stunned all when he basketed a career-high of 28 points during their recent contest against the Harvard Crimson. The performance came as a surprise to many fans since he had been written off for his inconsistent work ethic when he was with the Oregon Ducks last season.

Once a consensus five-star recruit, the 7-feet center didn’t have the breakout year he was expecting with the Ducks and then transferred to the Indiana to get a respectable game time. The move drew flak from critics who considered Ware to be a thing of yesteryears. But Ware has been shutting his haters in style with his new team. Here’s a compilation of his court exploits in the ongoing season.

Indiana Hoosiers vs Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 69-63

The Indiana Hoosiers outfoxed the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in their season opener at the Bloomington Assembly Hall by a narrow margin of 69-63. Ware was not the highest scorer but still emerged as the best contributor for his team, smashing 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

It was a comprehensive performance on his part, providing for his team both in offense and defense. He played for 36 minutes and also gave 4 assists. The Hoosiers outdid the Eagles by a close margin in both halves, ultimately winning the game.

Indiana Hoosiers vs Army Black Knights 72-64

The Hoosiers trumped the Black Knights in their second game of the season by a decent margin of 72-64. The first half was quite close but with the help of Ware, the Hoosiers extended their lead during the second.

Ware emerged as the highest scorer of the game with 20 points, nabbing 6 rebounds in the process with a solitary assist. An on-song Ware thus set the tone for the matches to follow and showed the basketball world what he was capable of.

Indiana Hoosiers vs Wright State Raiders 89-80

The Hoosiers locked horns with the Wright State Raiders during the third game of the NCAA tournament. The Hoosiers emerged on top, credit to a gritty display by Ware that helped the team defeat the Raiders by a respectable margin of 89-80.

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Ware smashed the highest points for his team with a tally of 22 and seized 12 rebounds. He thus had the second double-double of the season, only in his third game. He had a field goal count of 9-for-11 along with an 80% free throw percentage.

Indiana Hoosiers vs University of Connecticut Huskies 57-77

The Hoosiers suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of the University of Connecticut Huskies in their fourth game at the Madison Square Garden. Nonetheless, Ware tried to put up a tough show but failed in the larger scheme of things, potting 11 points and 8 rebounds.

Unfortunately, he could not provide any assist which also explains how he was at the forefront in defence and scoring but failed to don a playmaker’s hat. He had a meager field goal stat of 2-for-10 which also portrays his failure to capitalize on chances. Overall, the game had many learnings for the Hoosiers.

Indiana Hoosiers vs Louisville Cardinals 74-66

After learning their lessons from the previous match, the Hoosiers came back stronger in this one against the Louisville Cardinals. They upended the Cardinals by an honorable margin of 74-66 with Ware smoking the second-highest points for his team (12).

He also propelled his team to victory by nabbing 7 rebounds and 2 assists. He also used his height to perform 2 blocks. He also looked to have improved his field goal percentage from the previous match with a decent 45.5% and this game gave a glimpse of what was coming next.

Indiana Hoosiers vs Harvard Crimson 89-76

The Hoosiers thrashed the Harvard Crimson by a solid margin of 89-76 in their most recent game. Ware produced his career-best performance of 28 points with 8 rebounds and 3 assists. He had an exception 12-for-13 field goal tally along with a 60% field goal percentage.

He gave an all-rounding display, obstructing the opponents with 2 blocks and 3 steals. He was the man of the hour in this game and proved how he could step up for the Hoosiers in clutch moments.

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With Ware showing his brilliance post his transfer from the Oregon Ducks, the Indiana seem to have the perfect center. Ware will be the one to step up when the going gets tough for the Indiana. For now, they should be proud of getting of the best transfers this season and their head coach Mike Woodson would be proud of his decision.