ATLANTA -- Kevin Ware might have a future as a comedian.
The Louisville guard was at ease as he presented the Top 10 List on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on Thursday night, even tossing in a barb at Letterman's late-night rival Jay Leno.
"How about that for a kid? Kevin Ware!" Letterman said.
Ware has become something of a celebrity since his right tibia snapped during the first half of Sunday's Midwest Regional final against Duke. His teammates were devastated by the horrific injury, with several collapsing to the floor in tears after it happened. But Ware told them to "just go win the game" before he was wheeled off the floor on a stretcher, and the Cardinals rallied to beat Duke 85-63 and earn a second straight trip to the Final Four.
Ware underwent surgery Sunday night, and was released from the hospital two days later. On Wednesday, hours after being cleared by doctors, he accompanied top-seeded Louisville to the Final Four - being played in his hometown of Atlanta.
"This goes from a terrible tragedy to bit of a miracle, doesn't it?" Letterman said, chatting with the sophomore before Ware read the top 10 list of "Thoughts going through Kevin Ware's mind" after he broke his leg:
10. "What was that loud cracking sound?"
9. "I hope this doesn't leave a bruise."
8. "Hey look, my tibia!"
7. "Ouch."
6. "Did it go in?"
5. "Oh boy, hospital food."
4. "Tape it up, coach, I'm staying in."
3. "They fired Leno?"
2. "Heat then ice? Or ice then heat?"
1. "At least my bracket's not busted."
In the interview, taped earlier Thursday at Louisville's hotel, Ware told Letterman he still hasn't seen a video of the injury - "And I don't plan on it." He also said his first concern when he got to the hospital was for his mother.
"I know she freaks out over the littlest things," Ware said. "I called her and made sure she was all right."
"We're talking about a snapped tibia that actually protruded through the skin!" Letterman said.
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