Lance Ware, left, has spent a lot of hours working with others off the court. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Lance Ware has not had an easy journey during his two years on the Kentucky basketball team. He was one of the freshmen on last year’s team that just did not mesh and finished 9-16 — missing the NCAA Tournament making UK fans, and even coach John Calipari, question a lot of things about the program.
This season he’s had to play behind national player of the year candidate Oscar Tshiebwe, who is perhaps the best story in college basketball this season. He’s averaging 1.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 6.3 minutes per game but he is shooting 69.6 percent (16 of 23) from the field.
Kentucky coach John Calipari has constantly praised Ware’s work ethic and attitude this season. Tshiebwe has praised Ware for pushing him in practice to make him better.
Still, elite level players want to play, not watch. Ware is no different but he’s also not hung his head and mopes. Instead, he’s found a lot of ways to help on and off the court.
He was named to the Southeastern Conference’s Men’s Basketball Community Service team Thursday for his exemplary service to the community. A news release from UK called him “one of the most engaging and compassionate student-athletes on campus.”
He has volunteered over 100 hours to work with children at basketball camps or community engagement projects. Last summer he visited hospital staff in Covington, which served as the region’s primary COVID-19 hospital, to thank the staff for its work.
He also went to Pillar in Crestwood for a field day with adults living with developmental disabilities. Ware has participated in food packaging and delivery for God’s Pantry as well as holiday outreach with Salvation Army. He was also one of the UK basketball players that helped with the tornado relief telethon with the Red Cross that raised more than $5 million.
He’s also found time to visit with military families at Fort Knox along with Fayette County elementary school students.
So while his contributions on the court might have been limited because of Tshiebwe’s dominance, Ware certainly has found his niche off the court to help a lot of people.
