BIO: Casper Ware was born in Cerritos, California (USA), and attended Gahr High School, where he quickly emerged as one of the top guards in Southern California. He was a three-time First-Team All-San Gabriel Valley League selection, earning Co-Player of the Year honors in 2007. As a sophomore, Ware helped Gahr advance to the CIF quarterfinals, earning Second-Team All-CIF III-AA honors. He followed this up with a standout junior season where he was named First-Team All-CIF I-AA after leading the Gladiators to a 24–5 record and a dominant 9–1 league mark.

As a senior, Ware capped his high school career with another strong campaign, guiding Gahr to a 20–10 record and a second-round appearance in the CIF Playoffs before falling to Compton. He was selected to the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Best in the West Third Team and was twice named to the newspaper’s Dream Team First Team. Ware also shined on the all-star circuit, being named MVP of the 10th Annual Collision All-Star Jam after leading his team to a 108–104 win over the LA City All-Stars.

By the end of his high school career, Ware had established himself as one of the most decorated players in Gahr’s history, recognized for his quickness, defensive intensity, and ability to lead from the point guard position. His consistent success at the prep level set the stage for his college career at Long Beach State, where he would go on to become one of the program’s all-time greats.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Casper Ware made his NBL debut with the Melbourne United at 26 years of age. He scored 12 points in his first game.

Melbourne United entered the 2016–17 season with high expectations under second-year coach Dean Demopoulos, but a 3–7 start quickly derailed momentum. With the league allowing three imports, United began the year with Cedric Jackson, Ramone Moore and Devin Williams, but Jackson (10.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.4 steals) was released after failing to fit into the system. On November 14, 2016, following a preseason stint with the Washington Wizards, Casper Ware was signed as Jackson’s replacement.

Ware’s debut was rocky, shooting 3-of-14, but he quickly settled in. On November 25, in just his second game, he scored 28 points and drilled the game-winning three-pointer to defeat the Sydney Kings 95–92. Two weeks later, on December 9, Ware erupted for 38 points and eight three-pointers in a narrow 92–89 loss to Perth. He added another clutch moment on December 29, scoring a game-high 24 points and sinking the game-winning jumper with 3.8 seconds left to edge Cairns 79–78. His explosive scoring gave Melbourne the spark they desperately needed, while the return of Chris Goulding (17.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals) from injury and David Barlow from a two-year absence helped stabilise the rotation.

Ware (22.1 points, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals) led Melbourne’s turnaround as the team won 10 of its last 18 games. The midseason addition of Josh Boone (10.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks) to replace the struggling Devin Williams (3.2 points, 4.0 rebounds) solidified the interior, while Goulding and Ware formed one of the league’s most potent backcourts. However, inconsistent contributions from fellow imports, including Ramone Moore (10.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists), combined with injuries and constant lineup changes, left United vulnerable. Only Tai Wesley (8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists) and Majok Majok (5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.5 blocks) managed to play all 28 games.

Melbourne finished 13–15 and outside the playoffs, hampered by the league’s second-worst true shooting percentage and a 2–5 record in games decided by five points or fewer. Despite the disappointing team result, Ware’s arrival was transformative, and his clutch scoring earned him All-NBL First Team honours after just 18 games. He became a fan favourite, with near-capacity crowds at season’s end reflecting the optimism he brought. Still, the campaign closed under tension, as Demopoulos’ relationship with several veterans deteriorated, leading to his departure.

We could watch this again, and again, and again…

Re-live those final moments. It doesn't get much better than this one! #WeAreMelbourne pic.twitter.com/lFly5gLqRC— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) November 27, 2016

2017/18
On August 22, 2017, Casper Ware re-signed with Melbourne United as the club ushered in a new era by replacing head coach Dean Demopoulos with Sydney assistant Dean Vickerman. Vickerman signed a two-year deal and quickly moved to re-sign David Barlow, Josh Boone and Ware. Craig Moller (via Sydney) was added to replace Todd Blanchfield (to Illawarra) and former Perth star Casey Prather was signed as the third import.

Melbourne opened the season with a narrow win over Adelaide (99–97), with Prather (20 points) leading the way. Despite the promising start, United dropped five of their next ten games, struggling to find consistency under their new coach.

On December 16, Prather went down with a dislocated elbow in a win over Illawarra (84–78), sidelining him for at least eight weeks. While searching for an injury replacement, development player Felix Von Hofe was elevated before the club signed ex-NBA guard Carrick Felix. The roster change coincided with a strong surge as Melbourne went 15–3 down the stretch, finishing first on the ladder with a 20–8 record.

Ware was central to United’s turnaround, averaging (16.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists) across all 35 games, and earning All-NBL First Team honours for the second consecutive year. In the semifinals, Melbourne defeated New Zealand in two straight games. Prather (15 points) starred off the bench in Game One (88–77), before sealing the series in overtime in Game Two (88–86). Meanwhile, Adelaide upset reigning champion Perth to set up a Grand Final showdown with United.

In Game One of the Grand Final, Ware (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) came out hot in the first half before exiting with a hip injury, leaving Chris Goulding (26 points) to take control and deliver Melbourne a 107–96 victory at Hisense Arena. Daniel Johnson (18 points) and Mitch Creek (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the way for Adelaide.

Adelaide responded in Game Two with a dominant performance, led by Majok Deng (18 points), Mitch Creek (17 points) and Ramone Moore (17 points), securing a 110–95 win. Prather (20 points) and Goulding (19 points) led Melbourne, but Adelaide import Josh Childress (13 points, 8 rebounds) went down with a season-ending shoulder injury in the fourth quarter.

Game Three returned to Melbourne and was marked by drama, with Adelaide’s Nathan Sobey ejected after a halftime scuffle with Prather. The fiery contest ended in a 101–98 win for United, with Ware (25 points), Prather (23 points) and Goulding (15 points, including three late triples) holding off a late 36ers charge as Deng missed a game-tying shot in the final seconds.

In Game Four, Adelaide forced a decider with a 90–81 victory on their home floor. Sobey (16 points) bounced back from his ejection, while Johnson (29 points, 10 rebounds) dominated inside. Prather (23 points) kept United competitive but Adelaide levelled the series 2–2.

The decisive Game Five saw Melbourne dominate at Hisense Arena, led by Goulding and Ware (both 23 points) and Prather (19 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals). The 100–82 victory secured Melbourne’s first championship since rebranding from the Tigers. Goulding was named Finals MVP after averaging 16.6 points and 3.6 rebounds across the series, while Prather claimed his third consecutive NBL title, becoming the first player in league history to win championships in each of his first three seasons.

2018/19
Melbourne entered the 2018/19 season looking to defend their championship. They retained their core group by first re-signing team captain Chris Goulding (two-year deal) and David Barlow (one-year deal) before securing Josh Boone (one-year deal) and Casper Ware (one-year deal), who were challenging to bring back due to strong interest from multiple overseas teams. The team also added DJ Kennedy (via Turkey), Mitch McCarron (via Cairns), and Alex Pledger (via New Zealand) to further strengthen their lineup. Melbourne’s strategy centered on continuity, aiming to keep their championship-winning core intact while adding depth and versatility.

Casper Ware (18.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists) was Melbourne United’s offensive engine, regularly leading the team in scoring. His best performances included 34 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block in a win against Cairns, 32 points and 2 assists in another win against Cairns, and 30 points and 5 rebounds in a win against Sydney.

Ware’s scoring ability and clutch performances kept Melbourne competitive throughout the season, making him one of the league’s premier guards.

Mid-season, Melbourne added Venky Jois (2.2 points and 0.7 rebounds), who had been playing in Japan, to provide additional cover for injuries and strengthen the roster for the playoffs.

Dean Vickerman’s leadership earned him the NBL Coach of the Year award as Melbourne finished second in the regular season (18-10), setting up a semifinal clash against Sydney.

In Game 1 of the semifinals (95-73), Casper Ware contributed 22 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals as Melbourne controlled the game. DJ Kennedy (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Chris Goulding (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) all produced big games. Sydney’s Andrew Bogut (7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks) struggled offensively, while Kevin Lisch (13 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Jerome Randle (13 points) couldn’t overcome Melbourne’s defensive pressure.

In Game 2 of the semifinals (90-76), Ware added 30 points and 5 rebounds as Melbourne closed out the series. Chris Goulding (23 points and 3 assists) starred again for United. Melbourne shut down star point guard Jerome Randle (2 points and 5 assists), and even though Andrew Bogut (10 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) bounced back from a poor Game 1, it wasn’t enough to prevent Melbourne from meeting Perth in the Grand Final. Kevin Lisch (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) top-scored for Sydney.

In Game 1 of the Grand Final series (81-71), Ware added 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists as Chris Goulding (15 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne offensively. United were able to limit Perth’s star import Bryce Cotton (10 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) offensively, but big games from Terrico White (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Angus Brandt (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) powered the Wildcats to victory.

Game 2 of the Grand Final series (92-74) saw Melbourne bounce back behind a balanced scoring attack from Casper Ware (14 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Chris Goulding (14 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists), Mitch McCarron (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), and DJ Kennedy (12 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals). Ware also provided leadership and clutch scoring. Bryce Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Terrico White (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) stood out for Perth.

The loss to Melbourne saw Perth coach Trevor Gleeson make a number of adjustments, and the Wildcats came back to dominate in Game 3 (95-67). Ware struggled with 10 points and 3 assists, while DJ Kennedy (13 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and David Barlow (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) were top scorers in an incredibly low-scoring effort. Bryce Cotton (27 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) and Terrico White (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) combined for 58 points and came close to outscoring Melbourne themselves.

In the deciding Game 4 (97-84), Ware contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals as Melbourne fought hard but fell short. Bryce Cotton (28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and Terrico White (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Perth to the title, with Nick Kay (12 points and 10 rebounds) dominating inside. Chris Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) also made a strong contribution for Melbourne. Terrico White, who had faced criticism earlier in the season, claimed the Grand Final MVP award after averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the four-game series.

SYDNEY KINGS
2019/20
With Sydney having underdelivered with Andrew Gaze as coach, the Kings went a different direction in 2019 and signed Will Weaver, a current assistant coach on the Australian Boomers, as the team’s head coach. With Melbourne deciding not to take on the optional third of Moller’s contract, he would return to Sydney, signing a two-year deal (15 April 2019).

Sydney’s other moves included re-signing Kevin Lisch on a multi-year deal, replacing imports Jerome Randle with Casper Ware (via Melbourne) and David Wear with Jae’Sean Tate. Weaver would add local talent Xavier Cooks (Winthrop University), Shaun Bruce (via Adelaide) and Lucas Walker (via Cairns).

With the NBL ramping up it’s ‘Next Stars’ program, the Kings also acquired Didi Louzada, who had just been drafted by the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, as a additional part of their roster.

The team suffered a major injury set-back when Kevin Lisch (6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals) suffered a left ankle fracture in Round 2 of the season and was subsequently ruled out for two months. Sydney added import Deshon Taylor (6.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1 assists), who had been released by the Adelaide 36ers in the pre-season until Lisch was able to return in February. He managed to play the final three games of the regular season to help the Kings finish in first-place (20–8).

During Moller’s second stint with the Kings, He appeared in the first 11 games of the 2019/20 season before missing the next 16 games with a right ankle injury. Moller (7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) returned to play in the Kings’ final regular season game, just in time for the playoffs.

Weaver had constructed a Kings team that delivered a well-balanced attack, proving almost unstoppable during the regular season. Casper Ware (19.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists) led the team in scoring, while Jae’Sean Tate (16.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists 1.1 steals) showcased a all-around game that not only saw him named in the All-NBL First Team, and Kings club MVP but resulted in him gaining a NBA contract with Houston the following year.

Andrew Bogut (8.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks), who showed clear signs of slowing down, was still able to make a huge impact at the defensive end and was named to the league’s All-NBL second team.

Sydney went on to defeat Melbourne in the semifinals (2-1), and would face off against Perth in the Grand Final.

Game one saw the Kings lose a nailbiter (86-88), with Lisch (17 points) leading the team in scoring. As the team’s prepared for game two in Perth, it was decided that the remaining games would all take place with no fans in the building. Without a single fan in the building, the Kings evened the series (1-1) thanks to Jae’Sean Tate (21 points) nailing seven of his nine shots and Andrew Bogut (24 points and 14 rebounds) having one of his best games of the season.

In game three of the grand final series against the Sydney Kings, Kay (30 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists) delivered a career high scoring effort, including seven three-pointers alongside Cotton (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) to propel Perth to a game three victory (111–96).

Prior to game four, the Sydney Kings chose to withdraw from the series due to uncertainties of the coronavirus and travel restrictions. With multiple Kings players based overseas, many were concerned the restrictions would prevent any return home. After a week spent deliberating, it was decided Perth would be awarded the championship due to holding a 2-1 lead at the time, securing their tenth title. After averaging 30.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over the three games, Cotton was named Grand Final MVP for the second time in four years, becoming the first player in Wildcats history to be named league MVP, Grand Final MVP and win a championship all in the same season.

Ware led the Kings in scoring and assists, averaging 19.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, and was named to the All-NBL Second Team.

Casper Ware is a walking bucket 🪣

The explosive guard averaged 18 points per game across five seasons in the NBL.

Check out some of his best plays 👀 pic.twitter.com/F2hgEx1Lkj— NBL (@NBL) May 20, 2024

2020/21
Sydney faced a major roster turnover after finishing runners-up to Perth in a Covid induced conclusion to the 2020 Grand Final. The team looked to recover from the loss of both All-NBL First Team forward Jae’Sean Tate and head coach Will Weaver, who both inked contracts with the NBA’s Houston Rockets while veterans Kevin Lisch, Andrew Bogut and Lucas Walker all retired. Kings assistant Adam Forde took up the reigns this season after being with the organisation since 2019 and replaced the outgoing talent with import Jarell Martin, Angus Glover (via Illawarra), and rookie Dejan Vasiljevic (via Miami University). During the preseason, Sydney lost promising forward Xavier Cooks to a foot injury and signed Tom Vodanovich (via New Zealand) as an injury replacement just before their opening game. The team’s injury woes continued when Angus Glover tore his ACL and would miss all but two games for the season.

As the season kicked off, the Kings looked to their young core to step up in the loss of key veterans and struggled early as a result. Losing three of their first four games, the team sat at the bottom of the ladder in seventh place. Mid-season, the league made the decisions to move all teams to Melbourne for a in-season tournament (NBL Cup) created to avoid COVID-related travel issues. It was here Sydney began to find some form, winning as many as they lost during the Cup (4-4) and then once the tournament was over, consecutive wins at home saw Sydney reach the top four by round 12.

Martin (17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) and co-captain Casper Ware (17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists) became the focal points on offence. Ware appeared in each of the Kings 36 games of the season and only had five games where he scored less than 10 points, including a career-high 40 point effort in April during a win over Cairns (89–84). Ware was tasked with saving the Kings in several clutch moments during the season. This included his missed game-winning opportunity against the Taipans in Round 1, while another being his huge fourth quarter against Cairns in Round 14, where the fourth quarter began with both teams tied at 65-all and Ware produced 13 points in the final 10 minutes to deliver victory to the Kings.

Dejan Vasiljevic (15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) and Jordan Hunter (9.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) both became major parts of the King’s core rotation, Hunter finishing runner-up in the voting for the Most Improved Player award and Vasiljevic being selected as Rookie of the Year. Xavier Cooks (10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 blocks) also showed what type of impact he could have during the King’s back end of the season win the league, producing a career high 19 points and 11 rebounds against the Hawks in Round 21. The Kings’ limitations this season were primarily their perimeter shooting, where they were equal worst in three-point percentage (tied with Illawarra with 33.4%) and inability to win on the road, where they lost 50% of their games away from home. With four rounds to go, Sydney was firmly entrenched inside the top four but a stretch of five losses in seven games that included two by over 20 points ultimately saw them fall short. Sydney ended the season on a three-game winning streak but would finish in fifth place (19-17) and fail to qualify for the playoffs.

Casper Ware played five seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings. He averaged 18.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 156 NBL games.

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