01:34 AM CST on Tuesday, January 4, 2005
By C. ANTHONY MOSSER / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

PLANO – When David Miars, the public address announcer for Plano boys basketball games, introduces the starting lineup, he throws in the moniker of "Leon" for the Wildcats junior guard Brandon Ware.

At right - Plano's Brandon Ware drives against Fort Worth Dunbar. Ware had a season-high 17 points in the opening-round victory. The "Leon" is a reference to the ultra-self-centered football player seen in the current Budweiser advertising campaign. Ware finds the television ads amusing and often chides Plano head coach Tom Inman about the need to see Leon's agent when the head coach decides a little extra conditioning work is in order during practice.

"He's my extremely cocky alter-ego," Ware explained.

The irony in the nickname is that Ware is anything but self-centered on the court. As Plano's point guard, his primary responsibility is distributing the basketball and handling pressure defense.

"He's a physically strong kid who is a really, really smart player," Inman said. "He recognizes situations well."

Ware (5-11, 185 pounds) has been on Plano's varsity since his freshman year and became the starting point guard last season even though Abdullah "Bull" Lawal returned.

Inman wanted the defensive-minded Lawal to play a bigger role offensively. To make that happen, Lawal was moved to the wing. That Ware maintained the starting point guard position throughout the season is a testament to his resiliency and mental toughness..

It was after a difficult overtime loss to Duncanville early in the season that those traits became evident. He committed two turnovers in the backcourt against Duncanville's pressure. The Panthers turned the miscues into points and went on to win.

"I felt like I cost our team that game," Ware said.

Inman chalked the game up to experience.

"You've got to give your point guard a little leeway." Inman said. "They're going to have a few turnovers because they're handling the ball so much more than anybody else. I just told Brandon that I'd rather have that happen now than in the playoffs. It was part of the maturation process."

Ware was distraught after that loss, but if it affected his play the rest of the season, it was difficult to tell. He showed steady improvement, averaging 4.3 points and 3.6 assists while keeping his turnover total to 2.3 per game. His assist total was second on the team. He improved slightly on his scoring and assist totals during district play when he averaged 5.5 points and 3.9 assists.

"Brandon's a good ball-handler," Inman said. "He's kind of sneaky. He's not what I'd call a blazer, but he's got that quick first step that allows him to get an edge, and he moves the ball around well against pressure."

Ware was named to the all-tournament team in the Wildcat Classic last week. He scored a season-high 17 points and came up with several key steals in Plano's 79-71 overtime win against Mesquite in the opening round. He hopes to build on his fine play during the tournament.

"Last season helped me a lot," Ware said. "I learned a lot playing with Abdullah. This year I'm more ready to lead. It's kind of the personality I've got."

Leon's agent would agree.