Panther of the week: Kevin Ware

Before a nationally televised audience on ESPN2 on March 15, the Panthers’ redshirt junior guard from Conyers, Georgia dropped 18 points as he made eight of 17 shots, leading Georgia State to a 38-36 victory over Georgia Southern to win the Sun Belt championship and claim an NCAA tournament berth.

Ware was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school as he averaged nearly 15 points as a junior, leading Rockdale County to a regional championship. His team finished as the 4-A runner-up in his senior season in which he averaged over 13 points.

He joined the Louisville Cardinals in December 2012 after meeting initial NCAA eligibility requirements. The leg injury he suffered in 2013 became an international story. His third year with Louisville saw him play only nine games.

Prior to the 2013-14, he received a waiver from the NCAA, giving him two years of eligibility. Ware has also helped the team defensively as the Panthers have held opponents this season to under 40 percent shooting.