Updated

Kevin Ware is with his teammates on Louisville's Final Four bench.

There was a loud cheer when Ware, on crutches and surrounded by photographers, followed his teammates onto the floor before the game. He sat on his bench, with his injured leg resting on a stack of towels.

Ware says he feels "great" and added, "Obviously, it's great to be home."

Ware signed with Louisville from Rockdale County High School, about 30 miles east of Atlanta.

Ware's right tibia snapped and broke through his skin in Sunday's Midwest Regional win over Duke. The gruesome injury ended his postseason as a player but didn't end his role as a teammate.

Louisville players paid tribute to Ware, No. 5, before Saturday's national semifinal, wearing T-shirts over their jerseys in pregame warmups with the words "Ri5e to the Occasion."