Center Kel'el Ware is expected to be a first-round pick in the NBA Draft. These three big men could replace him next season.
Blaise Keita, Nebraska:
The Mali-born big man did not play much during his one year at Nebraska. However, let's not dismiss this possibility. Keep in mind that Ware was supposed to be a one-and-done player at Oregon. He ended up scoring six points per game and transferring to Indiana.
Woodson and his staff could unlock Keita as they did Ware. The sophomore has ideal size at 6-11 and 240 pounds to be a rim protector and rebounder for Indiana. If Malik Reneau takes another step in his maturation, Keita could be asked only to rebound and block shots.
Clifford Omoruyi, Rutgers
The Nigerian-born center is a player the Hoosiers know very well. While he did not give the Scarlet Knights much on offense when they played Indiana, he collected nine rebounds and blocked four shots.
Omoruyi is one of the best defensive players in the conference, earning All-Big Ten defensive team honors twice. He does provide some punch offensively, but his rebounding and shot blocking would be much-needed with Ware's departure.
More Indiana Basketball:
Amari Williams, Drexel
If the Nottingham native wasn't at the top of Indiana's transfer target list, he should be now. Williams can score, rebound, and block shots. He was an All-Colonial Athletic Association selection and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
He's a veteran that's played a lot of basketball and could step in and provide offense and defense, while Indiana develops a younger big for the future.