What’s up with Kevin Ware?

Rick Pitino says the 6-foot-2 sophomore is back on the team after being suspended for about five days. He may get in the game against Marquette on Sunday. Lots of speculation about the reason for the suspension but no confirmation. Pitino at one point declaring Ware wouldn’t be back anytime soon, but quickly changing his mind and welcoming him back to practice.

Kevin Ware Photo by Brandon Pry
Kevin Ware
Photo by Brandon Pry

But really. He’s been a mystery ever since he transferred to the University of Louisville from Tennessee, switching schools after his coach Bruce Pearl was let go for recruiting violations, arriving late in the first semester last season after meeting academic requirements.

With his 6-foot-2 athletic build, long arms and speed, he was expected to make immediate contributions. But thus far, the switch has not flipped on for him. He’s played in 20 games this season, scoring 76 points or 3.8 per game while making 15 assists and 20 turnovers. During his last five games, he’s had seven points and only one assist.

His body language on and off the court suggests that Kevin Ware has yet to achieve a comfort level at Louisville. Only he knows the reasons why. Certainly not from lack of playing time, he’s averaging 15 minutes a game.

Ware has demonstrated on occasion that he could be a major contributor. It’s the commitment part that seems to be lacking.

Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.