Lance Ware’s NBA Dream Lives On: Former Wildcat Earns Shot with Knicks in Summer League
From Lexington to Las Vegas, Lance Ware is writing the next chapter of his basketball journey and Big Blue Nation couldn’t be prouder.
The New York Knicks announced Monday that Ware has officially been named to their 2025 NBA Summer League roster, giving the former Kentucky forward a golden opportunity to prove he belongs at the professional level. The 6-foot-9 New Jersey native may have taken a winding path to get here, but his perseverance and growth over the years are now paying off.
A Fan Favorite in Lexington
Ware arrived in Lexington in the fall of 2020, a top-40 prospect from Camden, New Jersey. His freshman season was part of Kentucky’s infamous 9–16 campaign, but through all the adversity, he remained a fan favorite thanks to his grit, toughness, and selflessness.
In three seasons with the Wildcats, Ware never sought the spotlight. He embraced his role, appeared in 77 games (nine starts), and did the dirty work in the paint, averaging 1.8 points and 2.2 rebounds in just under 10 minutes per game. His blue-collar style made him a staple of John Calipari’s rotation especially in moments when the game got physical.
A Long Road Back to Relevance
After leaving Kentucky in 2023, Ware transferred to Villanova, where he played a reserve role under Kyle Neptune, appearing in all 33 games but again posting modest numbers (1.2 points, 2.3 rebounds per game).
But Ware’s story was far from over.
Seeking a bigger role and a fresh start, Ware transferred again—this time to UT Arlington under head coach KT Turner, a former assistant at Kentucky. There, he finally blossomed into the player many believed he could become.
The Breakout Year
Ware’s 2024–25 season with the Mavericks was a revelation. Starting all 26 games he played in (he missed five early contests due to injury), Ware averaged 13.4 points and a WAC-best 9.6 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 58.5% from the field.
His stellar performances earned him All-WAC Second Team honors and a spot on the WAC All-Defensive Team. He tied for the league lead in double-doubles (11) and finished as one of the most efficient and dominant frontcourt players in the conference.
A Shot in Vegas
Though Ware went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Knicks saw enough potential to extend a Summer League invite. Now, he’ll join a roster of hungry young players in Las Vegas looking to turn heads, earn roster spots, or land two-way contracts.
Summer League games begin July 10 and run through July 20, with Ware representing one of more than a dozen former Wildcats suiting up in the desert. For Ware, it’s not just about proving the doubters wrong it’s about showing how far he’s come.
One More Chance, One More Chapter
Lance Ware’s career has been anything but linear. He’s battled through setbacks, embraced multiple roles, and worked his way back into the national spotlight. Now, with the Knicks’ Summer League squad, he’s earned one more chance to prove he belongs.
He may have taken the long road, but if you’ve followed Ware’s journey since day one, none of this comes as a surprise. He’s always been built for the grind.
And now, Big Blue Nation will be watching to see if he makes the most of it.
Leave a Reply