After three seasons at Kentucky, forward Lance Ware is seeking for a new program to finish his NCAA basketball career. The Camden,
New Jersey native’s entry into the portal came as a surprise, but given the uncertainty surrounding the Wildcats’ frontcourt next season, he chose to skip another season as the bench captain and instead seek playing time elsewhere.
So far, moving closer to home appears to be a viable alternative. Earlier this month, it was rumored that Ware would be visiting coach Rick Pitino and St. John’s. According to Travis Branham of 247Sports, another Big East school, the Providence Friars, is also in the mix.
Ware and UK of course played and defeated Providence in the Round of 64 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament this past March, but things are much different in Friartown heading into the upcoming campaign.
After rumors of then-head coach Ed Cooley perhaps leaving his hometown school dominated the lead-up to the game against Kentucky, they came to fruition soon after, as Cooley left to become the new HC at Georgetown.
Providence has since hired George Mason coach Kim English, who will attempt to usher in a new era of basketball in Rhode Island. Ware could become a part of the new regime.
“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 at UK, 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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