UGA or Georgia Tech? Rockdale’s Kevin Ware granted release from Tennessee basketball scholarship
Loading ...Let the recruiting sweepstakes begin for Kevin Ware, who instantly became one of the nation’s top free agents in college basketball on Thursday.
On Thursday, Ware said he was granted a release from his Tennessee basketball scholarship. The 6-foot-4 guard from Rockdale County High School is ranked as the No. 56 prospect in the nation by Rivals.
Louisville, UGA, UCLA, Kansas, Georgia Tech, LSU, Florida State, Central Florida and Syracuse are rumored to have interest in Ware, who said he has yet to talk with any college coaches. Ware will begin making contact with colleges within the next few days.
However, Ware said if he had a wishlist, he’d love to take official visits to Louisville, UCLA, Georgia and Central Florida.
“I’m happy about the release and to see how my whole recruiting process will go now because I really didn’t go through it the first time,” Ware told the AJC on Thursday. “I committed to [ex-Tennessee coach] Bruce Pearl when I was a sophomore and never thought about going anywhere else until he was fired. Now I want to go the regular recruiting process and see how things go.”
Look for the college that has the coach with the most outgoing personality and charisma to have an edge with Ware. “The most important thing will be my relationship with the coach. You know, I have to feel like we have a connection. Whichever coach I get in a real good relationship with, that’s the one I am going to sign with.”
Ware needs to work on his outside shooting and dribbling skills, but can run the fastbreak with the best of them. He has a world of athletic potential (AJC)
Ironically, Tennessee scored points with Ware by granting him the release on Thursday. Ware had the understanding that he would have to wait with new coach Cuonzo Martin before the Volunteers would honor his request. Ware said checked his email around 1 p.m. Thursday and had the paperwork from Tennessee.
“I’m not going to put them out of the race because they have a new coach,” Ware said. “Tennessee is a good school, besides athletics. I could see myself at Tennessee. I will meet with Coach Martin for sure.”
What about Georgia? “I’ve heard they have one scholarship open, and I’m interested if that’s true. I’d love to play with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.”
Georgia Tech? “Don’t know much about the new coach, but they are close to home and in the ACC.”
Ware averaged 19 points and 9 assists while leading Rockdale County to its first appearance in the state championship game since 1987.
RELATED: Milton High’s Julian Royal sticks with Georgia Tech under the new basketball coach (click here)
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92 comments Add your comment
Gordon
March 31st, 2011
8:16 pm
first
JAWJeRDAWG
March 31st, 2011
8:17 pm
Does UGA have a scholarship available for him?
Gordon
March 31st, 2011
8:17 pm
He will be a Dawg !
Brian F.
March 31st, 2011
8:17 pm
First
Gordon
March 31st, 2011
8:17 pm
sounds like they do. Trey must be going to the NBA
Brian F.
March 31st, 2011
8:18 pm
Lets go get this guy !! UGA Fan !!
Brian F.
March 31st, 2011
8:20 pm
Petino is a scumbag who has already talked about retiring after their loss to Morehead State !!
Michael Carvell
March 31st, 2011
8:28 pm
@JAW, I’m just going by what Ware has heard, and he has heard “yes, there is one UGA schollie available.” It could be from Thompkins or Leslie testing NBA waters, maybe a walk-on who was put on scholarship now has to give it up, maybe someone is transferring, etc.
tater tot
March 31st, 2011
8:35 pm
Oh i know he is coming for sure and UGA will win the NC…….
tater tot
March 31st, 2011
8:36 pm
3:)
TC
March 31st, 2011
8:36 pm
GT really doesn’t need another 6″7 guy, buy what the hell.
DawgTime
March 31st, 2011
8:45 pm
Would be an excellent addition to the backcourt in Athens.
Come on down Kevin!
Gee Tee
March 31st, 2011
8:46 pm
Go to Georgia State if you want to stay close to home. GT is a program on the decline with a low grade new coach. Derek Craig for President.
dr
March 31st, 2011
8:47 pm
If he’s interested in a quality education and the chance to play in front of his family & friends,he’ll stay in state at Georgia Tech.
GT!
March 31st, 2011
8:49 pm
Tech is the best option. Come help us get back to an elite level…the dogs are looking at a tough year if Leslie and Thompkins leave. Tech has plenty of talent, and Shumpert will likely return instead of entering the draft. This team could be pretty good if things go the right way. With Royal and Ware, Coach Gregory could have a special first year.
Got Milton dad's back
March 31st, 2011
8:49 pm
Thompkins is gone for sure. Ware’d be a good fit. He’s an athletic combo guard, but he needs work on his long range shooting. I like the way he competes.
GT65
March 31st, 2011
8:53 pm
Love to have you Ware at GT…..All new program, be a part of it. Go Jackets.
JOD
March 31st, 2011
8:54 pm
Close to home and in the ACC, nuff said. If not GT, most likely Louiville.
Dirk Dribbler
March 31st, 2011
8:54 pm
I thought the Tech is the best option is the football line. Is the new no-name coach going to run a middle school offense also?
GAwJa dAWGS
March 31st, 2011
8:55 pm
We certainly to win the NC in rounball if you hook up with US at UGA.
GT
March 31st, 2011
8:57 pm
Funny thing is, Fox could barely beat GT with the worst coach in history. What happens when GT gets going? Back to the cellars and reality!
GTFAN45
March 31st, 2011
9:01 pm
ok im a tech but sadly i hear hes going to UGA by a close friend who knows him just being honest
funny
March 31st, 2011
9:02 pm
ha the NC? You guys are out of your mind. Fox had a super talented team this year and got pushed right out in the first round. You guys should aim for a sweet 16…you know keep it realistic. Who other than Leslie or Thompkins will lead you to the NC? Gerald Robinson? hahahaha
CATLANTA
March 31st, 2011
9:03 pm
GT,mark fox is 2 and 0 vs tech idiot
Johnny 5
March 31st, 2011
9:06 pm
GTFAN45, Im a close friend of his girlfriends, sisters, uncle, and I heard other wise, just being honest!
Johnny 5
March 31st, 2011
9:07 pm
Jeeze, the bball dogs are becoming just as delusional as the fball dogs… good grief!
GTFAN45
March 31st, 2011
9:07 pm
johnny 5 what did you hear brah?
UGA
March 31st, 2011
9:09 pm
who needs kevin ware we have dustin ware im sure all the tech fans remember that kid
Johnny 5
March 31st, 2011
9:11 pm
GTFAN45, His sister, cousins, uncles, nice said he will be going somewhere else.
GTFAN45
March 31st, 2011
9:12 pm
tell me where johnny
GT!
March 31st, 2011
9:13 pm
So beating GT is the definition of his success? Now thats funny…you failed to mention the fact that during that same time he had a losing season, finished last in the SEC I believe, and barely made the tourney only to get knocked out in the first round with two future NBA players on the roster. You play 30 something games during the season and one of them doesnt define a coache’s success. Im just looking at the big picture…if Fox has a good season next year after losing Leslie and Thompkins then I will say he is a good coach. Felton sucked, but you cant deny that he brought some talent to UGA. The jury is still out on Fox. And for the record GT owns the series by 20 games…the correct order will be restored shortly.
GT!
March 31st, 2011
9:18 pm
coach’s*
CATLANTA
March 31st, 2011
9:21 pm
GT, im a uk fan so idc but its a joke that tech calls its self a basketball school i mean really?
Delbert D.
March 31st, 2011
9:23 pm
Uhhh, Young Mr. Ware is a 6′4 Guard, not 6′7.
UGA
March 31st, 2011
9:25 pm
we run this state tech stop being jealous
GT!
March 31st, 2011
9:26 pm
Well then you should know one game means nothing! UK fans are dime a dozen, and guessing by your communication skills you probably never went there or graduated. Until a week ago GT had a more recent final four appearance than UK. Hope you enjoy the final four…because if history repeats itself this one will have an asterisk next to it in the record books within a few seasons.
CATLANTA
March 31st, 2011
9:30 pm
its ok we only have like 13 more and im sure GT loves playing in CATLANTA
GT300
March 31st, 2011
9:39 pm
Come to Tech where you can run the show with Royal.
Worm
March 31st, 2011
9:43 pm
Thank you, thank you very much..A scholly is available and if Thompkins and Leslie come back, then Nolte could take a year off.
gtfanfrom1951
March 31st, 2011
9:52 pm
ACC
ACC
ACC
ACC
ACC
Michael Carvell
March 31st, 2011
9:55 pm
@JOD, I agree with you on Louisville. They might even be the frontrunner. But a lot to be played out.
HobbyP
March 31st, 2011
9:56 pm
This obviously can’t be true (Ware being released) because the “experts” that post here said there was NO WAY UT would release him. If he doesn’t go to Tennessee, surely he has enough brain cells not to go to Georgia….
John Calipari
March 31st, 2011
10:05 pm
CATLANTA, the best thing about 2000 wins is you get to do it again. Don’t hang up that final four banner just yet.
Bnoles
March 31st, 2011
10:09 pm
Not for nothin, but I’ve seen him say multiple times he committed to Pearl when he was a sophomore. I’m a nitpicker but I’m pretty sure it was fall of his junior year. At least that’s what all the recruiting sites say.
AfghanHound
March 31st, 2011
10:10 pm
I bet he’ll try to walk on at UNC or Duke.
Worm
March 31st, 2011
10:12 pm
Nice to see those Tech supporters at Reynold’s plantation going BUSTED..Can you say-John Portman?
Bnoles
March 31st, 2011
10:13 pm
Also, for Georgia fans, he won’t play over Caldwell. KCP is ALOT better
VA DAWG
March 31st, 2011
10:26 pm
Its likely the scholoarship is Bucklin’s. I believe he was awarded a scholarship last year. Good luck to the kid, but it would be nice to see him land in Athens. GO DAWGS!
MC 12
March 31st, 2011
10:57 pm
UGA would not be a good fit because Kevin and Kentavious play the same position and kevin would have to backup Kentavious. Neither one have good point guard skills, moreover UGA will try and use that scholy to get a small forwrd or power forward especially if Travis and /or Trey leave. Both of them ned to work on getting to the cup because good teams will try and take away your strengths.
NOT a Hewitt Fan
March 31st, 2011
11:11 pm
Rockdale High puts a lot of kids in GT and UGAY. Like to see the kid stay at home. GT is straight down i-20. Go Jackets!
GT Baby
March 31st, 2011
11:17 pm
Ware we have a new coach and building a new complex. You would be a big part of that. We want you and thats important…welcome to GT. If not… good luck to a good kid.
Outside Observer
April 1st, 2011
12:00 am
Did one of the mutts recommend taking away Nolte’s scholarship to make room for Ware? DO IT!!!!! Screwing over his brother should be a huge incentive for the younger Nolte to realize what the better basketball program is. Come to the Flats and compete against the best in college basketball. To be the best, you must beat the best, and the best certainly is not SEC basketball
CATLANTA
April 1st, 2011
12:54 am
not sec basketball? im pretty sure uk just beat unc out of the tournament
FACTS
April 1st, 2011
1:00 am
gregory will probabley take the illinois job after next season
UGA
April 1st, 2011
1:21 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz1tWWzgIWA skip to the very end of the video
Stinger2
April 1st, 2011
4:05 am
Amazing how much these high school kids can get so full of themselves just because they have some degree of atheletic skills. Its to the point of the tail wagging the dog. Any high school kid who has the talent to get a scholarship should be thankful for any offer. If he is lucky enough to get multiple offers. he should be humble enough to keep his picky thoughts to himself. To say publically that a coach must fit the players demands to pass his test to “connect” is being too much in my opinion.
tony
April 1st, 2011
4:20 am
He average 9 assists a game? That’s what uga been missing at the pg postion. Fox, get this young man signed!
Buzz Me
April 1st, 2011
4:46 am
Kevin you and Julian Royal will take GT to new levels. Come wear the white and gold
tony
April 1st, 2011
5:01 am
Stinger2, Ware did not say a coach MUST fit the players demands. Besides, what’s wrong with the young man wanting to feel comfortable with his next hc?
SidArnwine
April 1st, 2011
6:25 am
No way that dirty,cheatin,lying,no class program at TN is going to release Ware. Huh,what,wait. THEY DID? Ok.
GT is a 4th rate high school team
April 1st, 2011
7:20 am
Forever.
Jimmy Crack
April 1st, 2011
7:31 am
As long as he stays in state. Just say no…to rocky top.
just a question
April 1st, 2011
7:45 am
@those that think they know Kevin and KCP would play together @ UGA but you have to be worried about being out recruited by L’ville, UCF, and UCLA . Also expect UT to make a run at him as well as the Hoyas, Bama, VA, GW, It will be more than expected trying to get at this kid keep watching
Jake
April 1st, 2011
8:29 am
He still could stay at Tn.
DawginLex
April 1st, 2011
8:37 am
Calipari,
List something done by UK’s head coach that resulted in the vacated FF’s and wins.
I’ll save you the trouble.
You can’t
reality
April 1st, 2011
8:54 am
If he can handle the academics, GT would be the best choice. Good program in the ACC.
Jim Maddox
April 1st, 2011
9:10 am
Good comments GT. It’s good to finally here some positive vibs from the Jacket nation about our new Coach.
BOWTOTHEDAWGSBOZO
April 1st, 2011
9:42 am
THE ACC SUX-ITS NOT THE 80S BOZO
GTJOHN
April 1st, 2011
9:46 am
I am unbiased and completely open minded and AM a Yellow Jacket fan
from the day I was born until now. I am 69 years young. Soooooo
I predict the new coach will come in with his horns blowing and whistles whistling,
and get his players on the right track, AND I have no doubts about them
winning BOTH the ACC AND National Championship in 2012.
No doubts whatsoever.
Trojan
April 1st, 2011
10:15 am
UGA’s program is rising fast and Fox is clearly the best coach.
reality
April 1st, 2011
10:29 am
Trojan Man…Fox is good but whether he is the best is yet to be seen. Uga’s basketball program will always be inferior to GT’s because they play in an inferior conference.
51WTGW50
April 1st, 2011
10:37 am
If he was a VOL then he needs to stay in the SEasyC. He will never make it in the ACC.
51WTGW50
April 1st, 2011
10:38 am
Trojan
GRANT ant BAMA is the next up and coming coach in the SEC. Grat built the VCU team that is in the Final Four and Bama just played for the NIT championship. Fox has done very little compares to Grant at BAMA.
5150 UOAD
April 1st, 2011
10:41 am
It is reported that Arron Murray just broke his leg. He fell out of the bed. His lover T. Sturdivant rolled over and almost crushed Arron.
April Fools.
collegeballfan
April 1st, 2011
10:58 am
“The most important thing will be my relationship with the coach.”
Big mistake young man. What if the coach you pick leaves after your first years for another job? Then where are you?
You got burned already by basing your decision on a coach.
Do yourself a favor and pick a school. Coaches leave, coaches get fired, the school is the only constant.
b
April 1st, 2011
11:09 am
reality, no you’re living in the way past.
The acc is the inferior conference. It has become watered down.
The sec east is better than the acc, which consists of unc, duke, and
a bunch of average to below average teams.
Mark
April 1st, 2011
11:39 am
The ACC ain’t what it once was kid. Outside of Duke and UNC the rest are scrubs.
bigdawg
April 1st, 2011
12:42 pm
To dr: I didn’t know Ware was from India!
CMF is the reason we’ll land Ware! Woof!
tony
April 1st, 2011
12:44 pm
@collegeballfan
Do you believe the best hs players in america chose Duke because of the university? I don’t think so. Stop throwing your preconceive notion at the young man.
Bill
April 1st, 2011
1:38 pm
Gt is the same distance from “home” as uga, fyi.
Delbert D.
April 1st, 2011
3:24 pm
If Shumpert stays, Tech has 9 guards on the roster going into next year. Tech was out-shot 44.0% to 40.5% this season, 37.9% to 29.9% on 3-pointers. Shooting range and ball-handling are weaknesses for Ware.
One of his strengths, according to ESPN is: “When he has a good point guard with him that allows him to get out on the break there could be none better in the class at finishing above the rim.
Bob D
April 1st, 2011
3:41 pm
he will be a Dawg. Even if Trey and Travis stay we have a scholarship for him when Nolte and Bucklin lose their one year scholarships gained as walk ons
gary
April 1st, 2011
3:43 pm
This kid has UGA wrtten all over him,his talent will excell under Coach Fox and Ga need big guards Pope is 6′-6” and Ware is 6′-4” the SEC better look out along with the recruits ,Ga is on the rise and I’m excited to see these three guys play with the kid from Wilcox coming as a walk on.
CAVS
April 1st, 2011
4:27 pm
GO CAVS UVA just got evan nolte ha ha ha
Josh
April 1st, 2011
4:52 pm
If Louisville or Kentucky want him and have a scholarship open he will be playing for one of those teams
CATLANTA
April 1st, 2011
6:07 pm
Josh are you high? hes not good enough to play for UK lol
Delbert D.
April 1st, 2011
8:51 pm
Enter your comments here
CHUCK UGA
April 1st, 2011
9:51 pm
HobbyP, why wouldn’t he go to Georgia? Fox will have UGA in the Big Dance 4 out of every 5 years. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, hater. UGA basketball is going to be a mainstay now at the top of the league, and there is nothing you haters can do about it. It’s where the program belongs in a state with this much talent. That goes for Tech as well. Both schools will be regular tourney participants once the dust settles.
Nini
April 5th, 2011
1:43 am
Hes playing in Louisville for a high school all star game april 22nd. He said it will give him a chance to see the campus and the new arena but he wants to come back for an actual visit a different time so he can really take everything in. He really seems to like Louisville…he also talks with one of Louisville’s signees, Zach Price, on twitter a lot. He probably wont make a decision soon though.
DawgsOnline » Thompkins and Leslie announce pro intentions
April 5th, 2011
1:28 pm
[...] the door for someone like former Tennessee signee Kevin Ware. Ware is considering Georgia, but he was uncertain about Georgia’s scholarship availability. There’s more than enough room [...]
Hoops Recruiting (2011) - Page 9 - TigerFan.com
April 5th, 2011
8:24 pm
[...] up 19ppg and 8apg… Looks like a long shot for us but he does note that LSU is showing interest. UGA or Georgia Tech? Rockdale’s Kevin Ware granted release from Tennessee basketball scholarsh… [...]
DawgsOnline » UCF investigation involves a familiar name
August 22nd, 2011
1:18 pm
[...] re-opened recruiting once Bruce Pearl left the Volunteer program. After he was granted his release, Ware immediately listed four programs that would get consideration: “Louisville, UCLA, Georgia and Central Florida.” Three of [...]