The unwavering loyalty of Big Blue Nation (BBN) continues to shine as Kentucky basketball fans rally around former Wildcat Lance Ware, now making waves at UT Arlington. Known for their passion and dedication, Kentucky fans have proven once again that their support doesn’t fade when a player moves on—it follows them wherever they go.
Lance Ware originally arrived at Kentucky in 2020, quickly earning a reputation as a hard-nosed, dependable big man. Over three seasons in Lexington, Ware contributed 140 points and pulled down 171 rebounds, earning the admiration of fans with his relentless work ethic, physical presence in the paint, and defensive tenacity. While his statistical contributions may not have always grabbed headlines, his effort, toughness, and leadership resonated deeply with the BBN faithful, making him a beloved figure within the program.
Following the 2022-23 season, Ware made the decision to transfer to Villanova for a fresh start, though his time there proved short-lived. Now at UT Arlington, Ware seems to have found his rhythm, and Kentucky fans have not forgotten him. This week, Ware was honored as the “WAC Newcomer of the Week” after two standout performances for the Mavericks, a testament to his continued growth and tenacity on the court.
While the award itself is significant, what caught even more attention was the response UT Arlington received when announcing the accolade on social media. Typically, the Mavericks’ social media engagement is modest, garnering only a handful of likes or comments. This time, however, the post exploded with over 500 likes and dozens of supportive comments—almost entirely from Kentucky fans. The comment section turned into a virtual love letter from BBN, with posts like “Proud of you Lance! Always a Cat! #BBN” and “We love you, Lance!” flooding the feed.
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It’s clear that Ware’s connection to Kentucky and its fanbase runs deep, a hallmark of what makes Big Blue Nation so unique. The loyalty and admiration Kentucky fans have for players—especially those who embody the hard work and selflessness Ware displayed—don’t disappear when a player transfers or graduates. Instead, BBN continues to cheer from afar, tracking players’ careers and celebrating their success regardless of where they land.
Ware’s performance this past week shows why he continues to earn this admiration. In UT Arlington’s win over UL Monroe, Ware delivered a dominant performance with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and two steals while playing nearly 40 minutes. He followed that up with another impressive showing in a narrow loss to Arkansas State, posting 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and two steals. Ware’s hustle, energy, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways are exactly what Kentucky fans came to love during his time in blue and white.
Lance Ware’s story is another reminder of how Kentucky basketball extends far beyond Rupp Arena. The program’s rich tradition and passionate fanbase create bonds that endure long after players leave Lexington. For Ware, the continued support from BBN serves as both motivation and validation of the effort and dedication he displayed as a Wildcat.
As he continues to thrive at UT Arlington, there’s no doubt that Big Blue Nation will keep cheering him on, proving once again that their loyalty knows no boundaries. For Kentucky fans, Lance Ware will always be part of the Wildcat family.
