NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark — North Little Rock native Kel’el Ware turned a lifelong dream into reality on Wednesday after being selected by the Miami Heat with the No. 15 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Ware, 7-0 and 230 pounds, was a Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection this past season for Indiana, where he ranked second in the conference in double-doubles (15), rebounds per game (9.9) and field goal percentage (58.6%). The center also finished fifth in blocks per game (1.9) and 12th in points per game (15.9).
Before transferring to the Hoosiers, Ware played his freshman season at Oregon, accounting for 232 points, 142 rebounds, 18 assists, 13 steals and 45 blocks in 35 career games.
While at North Little Rock High School, Ware was a 2022 McDonald's High School All-American and a consensus five-star recruit. He helped the Charging Wildcats to two state championships and averaged 20.3 points, 12 rebounds and 5.7 blocks per game as a senior.
Ware was the 2021 Arkansas Class 6A State Tournament MVP, leading North Little Rock High School to a 70-10 record over his final three seasons.
Since the 2021 NBA Draft, North Little Rock High School has produced three first-round draft picks: Moses Moody (2021), Nick Smith Jr. (2023) and Kel'el Ware (2024).