Be aware of Ware

Get to know the name Dustin Ware. He is a sleeper in the class of 2008 nationally and even still in his own state. A handful of programs have seen him and a SEC program recently offered him. It is the first of many for the 6-foot point guard.

To understand Ware, you have to understand that all he does is win. Playing at North Cobb Christian, just north of Atlanta, Ware has raised the bar for his small private school. Since he has manned the point as a freshman, Ware has watched his team reach the post season every year.

On the AAU circuit, he helped pilot his Atlanta Celtics White team to the Final Four at the Main Event's 16 and under division. He has a fearless and mature approach to the game and doesn't shudder against bigger and stronger players. Ware is incredibly confident in his abilities and doesn't say a word along the way.

"I think I can play with anybody," Ware said. "It's all about getting in the gym and working hard and staying at your best."

Schools are starting to catch on.

Ware said Georgia, South Carolina and Southeast Missouri State are recruiting him the hardest at the moment. He recently visited Georgia and came away impressed with the state school. The highlight of the visit was playing with the current team, he said.

"I just went out there and played hard and played smart," Ware said. "I thought I played with the college guys step for step. I had fun doing it. Physically, they are so much quicker and so much stronger and smarter. They have some good guards and I tried my best to pass it to them and get some open shots."

The Bulldogs offered a scholarship shortly after the trip. Ware said the offer is a reward of all of his hard work.

"That's a lot of fun. Coach (Dennis) Felton and I were talking about their plans and how they see their future out there," Ware said. "It was exciting to get that first offer. I'm interested and my parents are interested in them a lot."

Ware said he will unofficially visit South Carolina on Oct. 28 and Southeast Missouri State "sometime before November." Ware said he is also hearing from the likes of Purdue, Ohio State, Florida, Virginia Tech, Wofford and UAB.

When it comes time to make a decision, Ware said he hopes to find a place where he can build a strong relationship with the head coach.

"I want to find a place where the coach can put 100 percent of his trust in me and live with my decisions on the court," Ware said. "I know I'll make mistakes and I know I'll be growing along the way but I want to find a coach that knows I'll be taking the best shot I can take every time I step out there. That is how my relationship with my head coach is now. And I want to find a good group of guys to play with and of course, I want to find a school that is good academically."