Ware was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2022 class, according to major recruiting services.[7] On August 9, 2021, he committed to playing college basketball for Oregon over offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Illinois, Kansas, Memphis, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.[8] Ware was also offered a two-year contract for $900,000 from Overtime Elite, but he declined offer and maintained his commitment to Oregon.[9]
Ware entered his freshman season at Oregon as the Ducks' second center.[10] He also entered the season as a potential first-round selection in the 2023 NBA draft.[11] After averaging 26 minutes played, 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over the first nine games of the season, Ware saw a decline in playing time due to what Oregon's coaching staff believed to be an inconsistent work ethic.[12] He ultimately averaged 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game on the season. At the end of the season, Ware entered the NCAA transfer portal.[13]
Ware ultimately transferred to Indiana.[14] He started at center in the Hoosiers' season-opener against Florida Gulf Coast and recorded the first double-double of his college career with 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals as Indiana won 69–63.[15] Ware set a new career-high with 22 points scored while also grabbing 12 rebounds on November 16, 2023, in a 89–80 victory over Wright State.[16] He re-set his career-high in scoring with 28 points in a 89–76 win over Harvard.[17] After the season, Ware declared for the 2024 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.[18]
Professional career
Miami Heat (2024–present)
Ware was selected with the 15th overall pick by the Miami Heat in the 2024 NBA Draft[19] and on July 2, 2024, he signed with the Heat.[20]
Ware made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 116–97 loss to the Orlando Magic.[21]
Ware is the son of Tamika and Cedrick Spaight. He has two brothers, Javarus Ware and Kashis Spaight and two sisters, Dyamyn Ware and Jazzmyn Spaight.[24]