The early departure of Georgia basketball standout Trey Thompkins and possible departure of Travis Leslie may help the Bulldogs with recruiting.
Rockdale County’s Kevin Ware, who recently was granted a release from his Tennessee basketball scholarship, said Tuesday that the Bulldogs are among his favorites. The 6-foot-4 guard is ranked as the nation’s No. 56 prospect by Rivals.
“That’s big for my decision, with those guys leaving,” Ware said. “It definitely opens up a scholarship for me, and if [Leslie] sticks with the NBA, then it would give me the opportunity to compete for more playing time next year.”
Thompkins said he will hire an agent, cementing his NBA departure. Leslie has left open the possibility of withdrawing from the draft by the NCAA’s May 8 deadline to return for his senior season at Georgia.
Meanwhile, Ware said one reason for his attraction to Georgia is playing alongside five-star recruit Kentavious Caldwell-Pope of Greenville.
“I could definitely see myself playing in the backcourt with Kentavious,” Ware said. “I like Georgia for other reasons, too. They have a real good coach, and it’s close to home. It wouldn’t be a problem for my family to come see me play.”
Ware acknowledged that Louisville is the frontrunner for his services, followed in order by UCLA, Georgia and Central Florida. Ware said he will begin setting up official visits next week.
Ware committed to Tennessee as a sophomore, but requested a release after Volunteers fired coach Bruce Pearl. This past season, Ware averaged 19 points and nine assists while leading Rockdale County to its first appearance in the state championship game since 1987.
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