Lance Ware Loved his Journey at UK but Knows it’s Time to Move on

Vicky Graff Photo

Just when I was convinced that Lance Ware was happy enough at Kentucky despite his limited playing time that he would finish his collegiate basketball career with the Wildcats, he put his name into the transfer portal Thursday.

“My time at Kentucky has been a journey that has shaped me not only as a basketball player, but as a man,” Ware posted on social media. “I’ve really been through it all — COVID, the loss of  my brother Terrence Clarke, amazing charity work, big wins, electric atmosphere in Rupp Arena and during every step Big Blue Nation has been behind me. Your support has easily been the best part of the journey.

“However, with every journey there comes a time when we need to make an important decision on which direction to turn towards next. That time is now for me.

“Although I have loved being part of Kentucky, being coached by a Hall of Famer and his tremendous staff and battling alongside my brothers day in and day out, it is time for me to take my next step.”

Not every farewell announcement is genuine. Often a player — or his “people” — knows what makes the player look the best when he is leaving a school. But I think Ware is sincere and did enjoy his time at UK.

It’s ironic he announced he was leaving the same day that Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson picked Kansas over UK. If Dickinson had picked UK, Ware’s playing time may have been non-existent with the arrival of star freshman Aaron Bradshaw and return of Ugonna Onyenso. And don’t forget there’s still a chance Oscar Tshiebwe could be back.

Ware averaged  2.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 9.9 minutes per game in 28 games he played last season as Tshiebwe’s backup. In his career he averaged just 1.8 points and 9.2 minutes per game — probably not what the No. 5 ranked power forward in his recruiting class was expecting.

The 6-9 Ware impressed Kentucky fans with his non-stop energy and toughness, something UK needed at times. He was also always a willing defender and unselfish teammate. However, he just did not figure to have a prominent role on next year’s team and obviously will be looking for somewhere he can play more his final season.

Kentucky coach John Calipari posted on Twitter that Ware has improved each year and will be missed by him and his wife, Ellen.

“He’s an exceptional leader & as good a teammate as I’ve ever coached. 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 (about his transfer),” Calipari said.