5-star center Kel'el Ware commits to Oregon

Five-star Kel’el Ware has committed to Oregon basketball for the class of 2022, he tells On3.

Ware is the Ducks’ second commitment in the class, following five-star point Dior Johnson. The Ducks have also seen success in the transfer portal during this offseason, bringing in Syracuse transfer Quincy Guerrier and Oklahoma transfer De’Vion Harmon.

Ware, a 6-foot-11 center, plays for Little Rock (Ark.) High School. He chose the Oregon Ducks over Arkansas, Texas, Ole Miss, among others.

Kel’el Ware on why he chose Oregon

“Oregon has everything I need to get better as a player, and I know they will be able to help me succeed in my education,” Ware said. “The vibe I got from the coaches just felt right. I can tell they have the best interest for me. I can tell they are really excited for me to become a Duck.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know my teammates and the coaches and just being able to play in front of an amazing crowd.”

Fellow Oregon commit, Dior Johnson, played a role in recruiting Kel’el Ware to Oregon. Ware is looking forward to playing with Johnson.

“I can tell we will be a good duo together,” Ware said.

6'11 Kel'el Ware (@KelelWare)of @TheNLRHS/ @AllArkansasRed is downright special defender. Long armed big has outstanding timing, can close space in a ton,&has mobility to contain smaller guys. Offense is improving, but potential is scary at @Trigonis30 #PangosAACamp

📹@TXHSBB pic.twitter.com/G0gtQBfkda

— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) June 7, 2021

Has Oregon always been the favorite to land Ware?

Sources to On3 indicate that has not always been the case. In fact, Arkansas, the in-state program, was the favorite to land Ware for the vast majority of his recruitment.

Something seems to have shifted in the balance along the way, and now Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks have landed the No. 2 ranked center in the On3 100.