John Calipari addresses Lance Ware transfer, leaves door open for return

Kentucky forward Lance Ware announced on Thursday that he plans to enter the Transfer Portal, where he’s hoping to find a nice new home to use up the rest of his eligibility. He just never could find a consistent major role on the team and will likely look for a larger playing opportunity elsewhere. Of course, he has the blessing of head coach John Calipari to seek out whatever that perfect other place may be — although, Calipari also notes that Ware is more than welcome to rejoin the team if he doesn’t find a better spot for himself.

Here was the message Coach Cal sent out over Twitter in reply to Ware’s announcement:

“Lance has gotten better every year. 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.”

Calipari also noted that his wife, Ellen, has a soft spot for Lance and will be devastated to hear that he may be leaving. “Lance is Ellen’s favorite player, so I’m really not looking forward to telling her the news,” Calipari admitted.

Here was the Ware announcement and his full message, for those interested:

All love 💙💙🫡 pic.twitter.com/S4oWd1EMGO

— lance (@lanceware55) May 4, 2023

More on Ware

The Wildcat big man spent three years in Lexington, where he averaged roughly two points and two rebounds for his career. Now, the fan favorite bench piece will finish out his final year (or two) at another school.

Ware’s loss is not a massive one for Kentucky on the court, as they’ll surely have more option to bring in. However, by the end of his time with the ‘Cats, Ware had developed into a reliable reserve big who was also the team’s “enforcer” and its biggest personality, despite playing 10 minutes a game. He’ll be missed, but leaving Lexington should give him an opportunity to start or play a bigger role somewhere else.

Lance Ware played high school ball at Burlington (NJ) Camden, where he was a four-star recruit in the class of 2020, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He was also rated as the No. 39 overall prospect and No. 3 player out of New Jersey for his cycle. Coincidentally, Camden is also where 2023-24 Kentucky freshmen DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw both played in high school.