Whether it was via the NBA Draft or the transfer portal, there was a prominent belief that Oregon Ducks freshman center Kel’el Ware was not going to be with the team for the start of the 2023-24 season. The freshman made it official on Monday with the announcement that he would enter the transfer portal, and not declare for the NBA Draft.
After coming to Eugene as a 5-star prospect, rated No. 7 in the 2022 class, It’s fair to say that Ware’s season with the Ducks was not as prolific as some expected. Ware played just 15.8 minutes a game, averaging 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He was projected to be an NBA Lottery pick early on in the year, but as the season went on, his draft stock fell with the lack of production. Part of that was because of the personnel on the team — N’Faly Dante and Nate Bittle also compete for those minutes on the post, and both had more production than Ware.
So while the move from Ware did not come as a major shock, it still elicited some reactions from Oregon fans online. Here is some of the best social media buzz after the news came out on Monday:
Remember the Good Times
We will always have this moment from the Ware era in Eugene. https://t.co/sJpCtAY58I
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) March 27, 2023
A Good Decision
Kel’el Ware is currently projected as a late first round pick but has a real chance at playing himself into the lottery in 2024.
Premier talent with immense upside for his next college program to tap into.
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) March 27, 2023
A Mature Decision
Also very impressed that Kel'el Ware decided to stay in college and not go pro. Has a chance to make millions more in NBA salaries with a year of improvement at the college game. You don't see that level of maturity all that often these days. It's always go as quickly as you can.
— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) March 27, 2023
Where Oregon goes from here
With the news that center Kel'el Ware is entering the transfer portal, here are five bigs the #Ducks could pursue via the transfer portal: https://t.co/HyDqqQpaFj via @ducks_wire
— Andy Patton (@AndyPattonCBB) March 27, 2023
Where does he end up?
Good decision by Kel’el Ware to stick in college. A year of development in a different setting comes off as the best way for the 18-year-old, 7-footer to shift his game to the next level. Will be intrigued to see where the now ex Oregon Duck ends up.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 27, 2023
Arkansas?
Baye Fall and Kel’el Ware next season https://t.co/chNjbxjE8k pic.twitter.com/0MWIRvB7EZ
— Clutch Sports: Arkansas (@ClutchSportsArk) March 27, 2023
UCLA?
Expect UCLA to reach out to Oregon transfer Kel’el Ware.
Ware, Bona, and 🙃
— UZ – Zone (@uclazone) March 27, 2023
Too many cooks in the kitchen
Didn't think Oregon would be able to keep Dante, Bittle, and Ware all on the roster next season. It just didn't work this season. You have to wonder what this means about what Dante's decision could be. If Dante wanted to come back there was no way I could have seen Ware staying.
— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) March 27, 2023
