Indiana basketball center Kel'el Ware injured for Illinois game

Indiana basketball center Kel'el Ware isn't available for Saturday's game against No. 11 Illinois, though there appears to be progress.

Ware – the Hoosiers' second leading scorer (14.2 points per game) and leader in rebounds (9.4), 3-point shooting (41.7%) and blocked shots (1.6) – missed their loss to Wisconsin eight days ago with a lower leg injury. He was on the bench in a walking boot.

Ware emerged courtside at Illinois in street clothes but no boot. IU's availability report earlier Saturday said Ware was questionable.

IU coach Mike Woodson was hopeful, but noncommittal, about Ware's availability during the week. Woodson said Ware had done some non-contact work in Wednesday's practice.

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“This is really the first time he’s been given some significant playing time,” Woodson said. “All the things that were said about him coming in were somewhat trust, but he’s responded to coaching. When you’re young, that’s so important.

“If you want to develop as a player, you’ve got to accept coaching, and he’s done that. He’s improved based on his minutes and his stats so far. He’s done a helluva job for us. I think the sky’s the limit.”

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball: Kel'el Ware (foot) update vs. Illinois