Louisville to pay tribute to Kevin Ware with warmup jerseys at Final Four (Picture)

The Louisville Cardinals have every intention of keeping sophomore guard Kevin Ware as close to the team as possible when the Final Four tips off in Atlanta this weekend. Ideally, that will mean Ware will be feeling well enough in the wake of his horrific injury to join the team on the bench with his crutches.

Ware underwent successful surgery on Sunday and has already begun moving around on crutches with his leg in a cast. He said there is a “50-50 chance” he’ll be able to join his teammates to cheer them on against Wichita State. If he does, he’ll be able to witness their new warmup jerseys first-hand:

Louisville’s new warm ups!! #WinForWare twitter.com/WatkinsAdam/st…

— Adam #WinForWare (@WatkinsAdam) April 3, 2013

If he is unable to make the trip, at least we know Ware will have his new dog to keep him company. We also know he’ll be at the forefront of Rick Pitino and company’s thoughts — whether he’s physically present or not. The team’s new warmup jerseys are one small reminder of that.

UPDATE: Rick Pitino announced that Ware will be joining the team when they leave for Atlanta tonight.

H/T Deadspin