Ware embracing leadership role
Because of transfers, senior expected to play bigger role for Bulldogs
SMITHFIELD – Hunter Ware doesn’t run from the fact that things have changed over the past few years, yet the Bryant senior guard believes the changes haven’t necessarily been for the worse.
Through all the ups and downs last season, Ware believes he learned plenty. The Georgia native found himself in an unfamiliar role, going from steady contributor to a reserve who in 2016-17 saw his playing time drastically reduced. From that reclassification, a teacher, a leader, and the best possible teammate arose.
What Ware did as a sophomore for the Bulldogs (12.7 ppg, 37 percent shooting from three, 32.6 minutes) was noteworthy and suggested that bigger and better things were on the horizon. What he accomplished in his third season shouldn’t strictly be defined by the final num- bers (1.9 ppg, 11.2 minutes). His upbeat and positive demeanor became a sounding board for the team’s younger players.
“Hunter has always been the guy on the team with the most energy. Last year, he was able to put everything behind him and take the time to talk to me about everything,” said Bryant sophomore guard Adam Grant during Wednesday’s first-ever Bryant Basketball Media Day. “It would be foolish for me not to listen to someone who’s been here before.”
Grant was the Bryant player who slid into the off-guard spot that was previously held by Ware. Instead of brooding about what once was his, Ware graciously accepted his new reality and became determined to lead by example.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a team guy, but it was a role that I still had to get used to,” said Ware. “As a player, I changed a lot. Having time on the bench to sit and watch the game, I was able to learn and lead by cheering my guys on. If I saw something wrong, I could tell guys like Anthony.”
A comment that Bryant head coach Tim O’Shea made to Ware following a recent intrasquad scrimmage continues to stick with the fourth-year Bulldog as the team gets ready for its season opener on Nov. 10 at Georgia.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a team guy, but it was a role that I still had to get used to. As a player, I changed a lot. – Bryant senior wing Hunter Ware
“Coach made the comment that as a freshman and a sophomore, I would look to make the finesse play,” Ware said. “Now I have a better understanding of what a good play is. I also feel like I’m bringing more leadership and energy this year during practice and trying to do the same in the games.”
The Georgia game was purposely scheduled by O’Shea in order to provide Ware, who grew up just outside of Atlanta, a chance to play in his home state. As an added twist, Ware’s older brother played for the Bulldogs from 2008-12.
“It’s something that we try to do for all our seniors,” O’Shea said.
Understandably, Ware is looking to prove that last year’s version of him was a mere imposter. In wake of Nisre Zouzoua transferring and taking his 20.3 point per game to Nevada, the Bulldogs will be looking to players like Ware to pick up some of that scoring slack in addition to leading by example.
“Last year is behind me,” said Ware. “I’m just ready to play this year.”
Added fellow Bryant senior Bosko Kostur, “I think Hunter is going to be a valuable asset to our success this year.”
O’Shea began Wednesday’s media session by announcing that Bryant will head to Boston College tomorrow for a 4 p.m. exhibition game to benefit Catholic Charities USA and Jesuit ministries in hurricane-stricken Puerto Rico, Houston, and Florida. “It’ll be better than our normal Saturday practice,” said O’Shea, a BC graduate and former assistant coach at his alma mater. … The Bulldogs will stage their version of “Midnight Madness” at the Chace Athletic Center on Nov. 2. Admission is free and the doors open at 8 p.m.