College Basketball: Long Beach State's Casper Ware Is Primed for a Big Season

Many people might not be familiar with the name Casper Ware, but to some he is a household name. Ware is a legend in Los Angeles, California for his play in the famous "Drew League". This past summer Ware was named Drew League MVP.

The Drew League MVP may not be the Naismith Player of Year award, but it shows you that Ware is able to play at a high level against a high level of talent.

In recent news Ware led the Long Beach State 49ers over top 10 team Pittsburgh Panthers.

Casper Ware outplayed fellow Naismith Candidate Ashton Gibbs by pouring in a career high 28 points. With a tough non-conference schedule against teams like North Carolina, Xavier, Louisville, Kansas, and San Diego State Ware is on pace to gain even more recognition if he continues to play at a high level against these top foes.

Ware is the reigning player of the year of Big West Conference. Ware was the first player in Big Sky history to win the player of the year as well as the defensive player of the year. 

Last season Ware was named honorable mention AP All-American. This comes to show you that Mid-Major conferences are continuing to close the talent gap on larger universities.

UCLA and USC would dream of having Ware running the point, but he was overlooked due to his size. Being overlooked by major colleges only fueled Ware to where he is today.

This season is off to a great start for Ware and the Long Beach State 49ers. Ware will translate his Drew League stardom to national stardom just as quick as he drives to the hoop.