Lance Ware talked to young players at the Players First Camp at Boyle County High School last week. (Larry Vaught Photo)
I cannot remember how many times last year that Kentucky coach John Calipari found a way to praise Lance Ware despite his limited playing time as Oscar Tshiebwe’s backup.
Ware accepted his role, provided physical play and always played with the energy and aggressiveness that Calipari liked.
He went on a recent overseas tour with SportsReach and apparently played well. Now Calipari seems to have bigger plans for Ware next season even with the return of Tshiebwe, the nation’s unanimous player of the year last season.
During a recent appearance on BBN Tonight on WLEX-TV, Calipari shared some interesting thoughts on Ware with WLEX sports director Keith Farmer.
“Lance, we need him on the court more. I want to put 10, 15, maybe even 20 pounds on Lance,” Calipari said.
Why? It’s not like Ware is as thin as Jacob Toppin or Daimion Collins, two front court players Calipari is counting on for big production this season.
“So that not only is he that guy, he physically can impose his will because the games that we needed him, Lance was always there. Now we want him on the court more. To get on the court more, let’s get a little more physicality to it,” Calipari said.
7 Responses
Lance could be the key to have a shot at #9 next season in my opinion. He shown flashes what he can do. GO Cats!
I agree!!!
This guy has a Draymond green edge to him..I like it.
He better get some more weight on Toppin and Collins too.
Budweiser and pizza at midnight will do it…but I wouldn’t know.
So I have heard
Every minute that he is on the floor, is likely a minute the the NPOY isn’t on the floor. That alone is a precarious position for any player to be in, but now he needs to find a way to ramp up his game so there isn’t a drastic drop off when Oscar goes out – Lance could make it where Oscar doesn’t need to play 32 mpg.
This team still needs rim protection, something badly missed last year. Solid defense without fouling would be a great start!