2026-27 Men's Basketball Roster
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Jersey Number 15
Gevonte Ware
- Position:
- Center
- Height:
- 6-9
- Weight:
- 255
- Class:
- Redshirt Freshman
- Hometown:
- Roosevelt, N.Y.
- High School:
- 1 of 1 Academy Center
Gevonte Ware returns to Rutgers for the 2026-27 season, adding size, athleticism, and frontcourt versatility to the roster after spending his first year in the program developing behind the scenes. A 6-foot-9, 255-pound big man known for his dynamic skill set, physical presence, and explosive athleticism, Ware did not see game action in 2025-26 but spent the year pushing the tempo in practice and traveling with the team.
Prior to arriving at Rutgers, Ware helped lead 1-of-1 Academy to a 22-4 record and a No. 14 ranking in the state of North Carolina, appearing in 18 games and averaging 10.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field and adding 23 steals and 16 blocks. A consensus three-star prospect from ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, Ware was ranked No. 104 nationally by On3 and considered a top-10 player in North Carolina, compiling 19 Division I offers before choosing Rutgers. He earned MVP honors at the Larry Hughes Elite Camp and All-Defensive Team and Third All-Tournament Team recognition on the PRO16 Memphis Circuit.
Prior to arriving at Rutgers, Ware helped lead 1-of-1 Academy to a 22-4 record and a No. 14 ranking in the state of North Carolina, appearing in 18 games and averaging 10.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field and adding 23 steals and 16 blocks. A consensus three-star prospect from ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, Ware was ranked No. 104 nationally by On3 and considered a top-10 player in North Carolina, compiling 19 Division I offers before choosing Rutgers. He earned MVP honors at the Larry Hughes Elite Camp and All-Defensive Team and Third All-Tournament Team recognition on the PRO16 Memphis Circuit.
2025-26 Season at Rutgers
- Saw action in 6 games across the Scarlet Knights' schedule
2024-25 Season at 1 of 1 Academy
- Helped lead 1 of 1 to a 22-4 record, ranking No. 14 in the state of North Carolina
- Appeared in 18 games, averaging 10.9 points, 1.6 assists and 9.7 rebounds (174 total) per game
- Led his academy shooting 54 percent from the field, including 42 percent from the free-throw line
- Tallied 23 steals and 16 blocks during his senior season
- Ranked in the top three on the team in six different offensive and defensive statistical categories
- Played for head coach and former NBA player Jermaine Jackson at 1 of 1
Accolades & Achievements
- Consensus three-star recruit per ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports
- A top-10 player in North Carolina, rated a four-star recruit and ranked No. 104 nationally by On3
- Ranked No. 176 overall and the No. 39 center in the nation per 247Sports
- Earned MVP honors at the Larry Hughes Elite Camp in late August
- Fielded 19 Division I offers, ultimately choosing Rutgers over Alabama, Tennessee, Wake Forest, Ole Miss and Mississippi State
- Named to the All-Defensive Team and Third Team All-Tournament at the PRO16 Memphis Circuit
Personal
- Verbally committed to Rutgers in front of family and friends on Sept. 23, officially signing with the Scarlet Knights on National Signing Day
- Born and raised in Roosevelt, N.Y., before relocating to Charlotte in pursuit of better opportunities
- In Charlotte, Ware found a home with head coach and former NBA player Jermaine Jackson at LaMelo Ball's 1 of 1 Elite AAU program
- Under Jackson's guidance at 1 of 1 Academy, Ware transformed his physique, basketball IQ and style of play
- Compares his game to Julius Randle
- Ware's older siblings, Greg and Shatia, have watched his basketball journey from the beginning; Shatia recalls taking a four-year-old Gevonte to the park and watching him draw a crowd with crossovers between his legs, "doing amazing things that he didn't even realize he was doing"
Coach Pikiell Remarks
"Gevonte gives us great size, athleticism, and versatility in the frontcourt," said head coach Steve Pikiell. "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."
Player Remarks
"I'm excited to show the fans what I can do in game action this upcoming year," Ware said. "I put a lot of work in throughout practices and will continue to do so this offseason."
Wednesday, July 01
Wednesday, May 06
Monday, March 16
Friday, March 13
