Kentucky transfer Lance Ware commits to Villanova

How about Lance? The junior forward transfer has found a new home, continuing on as a Wildcat — only of the Villanova variety.

Lance Ware told On3’s Joe Tipton he would be returning to the Northeast to play for Kyle Neptune and the Wildcats where he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. The Camden, N.J. native spent three years at Kentucky before entering the transfer portal back on May 4.

NEWS: Kentucky transfer Lance Ware has committed to Villanova, he tells @On3sports.

Former 4⭐️ recruit.

Story: https://t.co/pWKZm9vg78 pic.twitter.com/Get0TKhQ9r

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 20, 2023

He decided to explore his options after averaging 9.9 minutes per contest in 2022-23.

“My time at Kentucky has been a journey that has shaped me not only as a basketball player, but as a man,” Ware announced. “I’ve really been through it all — COVID, the loss of my brother Terrence Clarke, amazing charity work, big wins, electric atmospheres 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 a 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.

“I want to thank Coach Cal for his support, along with my family who play an important part in everything I do. I have decided to enter the transfer portal and explore my options to finish my collegiate career.

“Being a member of the Big Blue family has been a dream come true and I’ll forever say, ‘How about those Cats?’”

Ware averaged 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 28 games for Kentucky this past season, shooting a career-high 65.8 percent from the field. He previously averaged 1.5 points and 1.9 rebounds in 6.3 minutes per contest as a sophomore in 2021-22 and 2.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game as a freshman in 2020-21.

Now, the 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward is headed to the Big East.