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Kevin Ware had a close call during Georgia State’s trip to Costa Rica

Kevin Ware

Louisville’s Kevin Ware speaks with reporters during NCAA college basketball media day, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

AP

Kevin Ware played a grand total of 53 minutes over nine games with Louisville this past season. Following a Dec. 17 win over Missouri State, Ware was shut down for the season, as he was continuing to recover from a gruesome compound leg fracture he suffered during the 2013 Elite 8 game against Duke.

In April, Ware transferred to Georgia State, citing the need for a fresh start. This summer, Ware received word that he would receive a waiver making him eligible to play immediately for one of the top mid-major programs in the country. The transfer guard was able to suit up for the Panthers during their foreign trip to Costa Rico, though, his debut with his new school did come with a brief scare, as Georgia State head coach told Jeff Goodman of ESPN that Ware was clipped from behind during the team’s first game.

“He hit the wall, went down, stayed down for a little bit, and the entire team froze,” Hunter told Goodman. “I was scared to death when he didn’t move at first -- but then he got up and sprinted back.”

The 6-foot-2 Ware will be part of a very talented perimeter for Georgia State, along with R.J. Hunter -- 18.3 points per game, 40 percent 3-point shooting -- and Kentucky transfer Ryan Harrow -- 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game. The high-scoring duo led the Panthers to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title game, only to have their NCAA tournament title hopes dashed by an upset delivered by Elfrid Payton and Louisiana-Lafayette.

The Ragin’ Cajuns do return forward Shawn Long, but the Panthers should be heavy favorites to top the conference standings once again.

Georgia State opens its season against Tennessee Temple on Nov. 14, three days before an early season test against Iowa State in Ames.

[h/t Jonathan Lintner, Courier-Journal]

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