Kentucky transfer Lance Ware to visit St. John's (and Rick Pitino)

Former Kentucky forward set to join a former Kentucky coach in New York City? It’s among the first scheduled visits for Wildcat transfer Lance Ware, making a trip to St. John’s, now coached by the one and only Rick Pitino.

Adam Zagoria of ZAGSBLOG.com reports a visit is in the works for the 6-foot-9 forward out of Camden, NJ.

Lance Ware is expected to visit @StJohnsBBall , per source

6-foot-9 Former Camden High star and NJ native https://t.co/pfzxMhAkDE

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 4, 2023

Ware entered the transfer portal on Thursday after three seasons in Lexington, exploring 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 1.8 points and 2.2 rebounds from 2020-23 as a Wildcat, his most productive year coming as a freshman when he averaged 2.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 12.1 minutes per contest — all career-highs. He would finish his time in Lexington averaging 9.2 minutes per game overall.

Following the 6-foot-9 forward’s departure, Kentucky head coach John Calipari wished Ware the best, but added that if he doesn’t find what he’s looking for in the portal, he’s welcome to return to Lexington for his senior campaign.

“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 said. “Lance is Ellen’s favorite player, so I’m really not looking forward to telling her the news.”

Could Rick Pitino present the opportunity he’s looking for in the Big East? Ware is going to see for himself.