The Recruiting Guy

Former North Little Rock center Ware enters portal

Oregon center Kel'el Ware (10) tries to score against Oregon State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)

Former North Little Rock center Kel’el Ware, who played the 2022-23 season at Oregon, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to multiple reports. 

Ware (7-0, 210 pounds) picked the Ducks over Arkansas, Baylor, Auburn, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Florida, Texas, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and other programs. He made official visits to Arkansas and Oregon, and unofficial visits to Ole Miss and Memphis.

The former McDonald’s All-American last season averaged 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 45.7% from the field, 27.3% from three-point range and 71.2% at the free throw line. He blocked 45 shots and averaged 15.8 minutes per game. 

Ware had a season-high 18 points against Connecticut in November and matched a season-high with nine rebounds in the game.

He also took part in the Iverson Classic and Jordan Brand All-Star games before attending Oregon. 

Ware averaged 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game as a junior at North Little Rock and was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Preps second team. He led his team to the Class 6A state title game after finishing with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals.

Ware was named MVP of the game.

ESPN rated Ware a 5-star recruit, the No. 3 center and No. 8 overall recruit in the nation in the 2022 class.