Rutgers Basketball Freshman Center Gevonte Ware to Return

Ware, a reserve center, will have three years of eligibility remaining after playing limited minutes in his debut season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold, contrasting colors that captures the dynamic movement and intensity of a basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the sport's action.A cubist interpretation of the energy and athleticism of college basketball, as Rutgers looks to build around a promising young center in Gevonte Ware.New Brunswick Today

Rutgers basketball announced that freshman center Gevonte Ware will return for his sophomore season in 2026-27. Ware, a three-star recruit from North Carolina, played in just six games and collected 36 minutes of action in his debut campaign. Despite the limited playing time, the 6-foot-9 center will have three years of eligibility remaining as he looks to earn a larger role in the Scarlet Knights' frontcourt rotation.

Why it matters

Ware's return provides Rutgers with much-needed depth and size in the middle, as he is currently the lone center on the roster. Head coach Steve Pikiell praised Ware's potential, and the young big man will look to build on his limited freshman experience and compete for more minutes in the upcoming season.

The details

Ware averaged just 0.3 points and 0.5 rebounds in his limited action as a freshman. However, Pikiell highlighted Ware's athleticism, versatility, and high ceiling, indicating the coaching staff believes the center can develop into a valuable contributor for the Scarlet Knights. With eight scholarships available for 2026-27, Rutgers has seven open slots remaining on its roster.

  • Ware re-signed with Rutgers on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Ware will have three years of eligibility remaining starting in the 2026-27 season.

The players

Gevonte Ware

A 6-foot-9 center who was a three-star recruit out of North Carolina and will have three years of eligibility remaining after playing limited minutes as a freshman for Rutgers.

Steve Pikiell

The head coach of the Rutgers men's basketball team, who praised Ware's potential and athleticism in the frontcourt.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to show the fans what I can do in game action this upcoming year. I put a lot of work in throughout practices and will continue to do so this offseason.”

— Gevonte Ware, Rutgers Basketball Player

“Gevonte gives us great size, athleticism, and versatility in the frontcourt. He's a hard worker with a high ceiling, and we're excited to have him back as he continues to develop in our program.”

— Steve Pikiell, Rutgers Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

Ware will look to earn a larger role in Rutgers' frontcourt rotation during the offseason and preseason leading up to the 2026-27 campaign.

The takeaway

Ware's return provides Rutgers with much-needed size and depth in the middle, and the coaching staff believes he has significant upside to develop into a valuable contributor for the Scarlet Knights in the coming seasons.