University of Georgia Athletics
Ware Excels in New Role
December 30, 2011 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 30, 2011
Senior Dustin Ware’s personal streak of starts ended at 87 when the University of Georgia basketball team played at Southern Cal earlier in December with Ware not in the starting lineup. However, instead of letting it get to him, Ware has excelled in his new role.
“It’s different,” Ware said. “But I’m making adjustments, going out there and being aggressive and just trying to play hard. I’m just going out and doing whatever I can do to help the team win.”
In the last five games that he has come off the bench, Ware has four games in double-digit scoring, including Friday’s win over Delaware State where he posted a team-high 15 points. With his totals, Ware has scored 66 points in the last five games compared to 59 in the first nine games.
The guard is also shooting well behind the three-point line. In the last five games, he is 15-of-24, including going 3-of-6 against the Hornets. Ware’s numbers rank him first on the team in three-point percentage out of those that have 10 or more attempts with just over 40 percent.
“We have definitely improved a lot offensively,” Ware said of his team’s efforts. “We have a lot of things going pretty well for us right now. We just have to make sure we keep improving on the defensive end and that we are still consistent in those areas. I think if we keep doing those things then we will be where we want to be.”
Currently the Bulldogs are in a five-game win streak and look to continue the trend heading into conference play when the team hosts Alabama on January 7.
“It definitely gives us a lot of confidence,” Ware said of the team’s turnaround, “especially after the Winthrop win to know that we can pull out tight games and have some young guys be in that position. It gives us some good vibes coming into SEC play. We have a tough game coming up right out of the gates, but we are going to work hard and be as ready as we can be. “
