Oregon’s Kel’el Ware Enters Transfer Portal, But Not NBA Draft

Oregon freshman center Kel’el Ware has entered the transfer portal, but does not intend to enter the 2023 NBA Draft, per Travis Branham of 247 Sports.

Ware is 7-foot-0 and just completed his freshman season with the Ducks. He was ranked the No. 7 prospect coming out of high school.

But his first season with Oregon was fairly uneven, prompting him to move on — just not to the NBA. Most mock drafts had him pegged as a late first-round pick. A new college program may help him to improve his draft ranking.

“I am incredibly thankful for my freshman season at Oregon,” Ware said, via Branham. “Sincere thanks to Coach (Dana Altman) and the entire coaching staff for believing in me and helping me grow, both as a player and person. I will take the lessons that I have learned on and off the court this season into this next chapter. And to Ducks Nation and most importantly, my teammates: Thank you for embracing me into the Oregon family.”

Ware averaged 16.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and an eye-popping 3.3 blocks in his time with the Ducks. He admitted the NBA is more than on his radar.

“My dream has always been to play in the NBA,” Ware said, via Branham. “I will continue to challenge myself in the classroom and on the court to put myself in the best position possible to achieve my goal.”