Kentucky Basketball: Aaron Bradshaw commits to Wildcats, John Calipari

Camden (N.J.) High five-star recruit Aaron Bradshaw tells On3 he has committed to Kentucky.

The 7-foot-1, 210-pound class of 2023 center chose the Wildcats over Louisville and the pro route (G-League Ignite). He also received offers from UCLA, USC, Texas, Maryland, Michigan, and others.

The Rahway, N.J. native becomes the ‘Cats fourth commitment to the class. He joins five-star wing Justin Edwards (No. 3), five-star point guard Robert Dillingham (No. 8), and four-star combo guard Reed Sheppard (No. 27).

Bradshaw ranks as the No. 7 overall prospect in the class of 2023, according to the On3 Consensus — the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies. He is also ranked as the No. 2 overall center in the country. 

Bradshaw on Kentucky

“Kentucky is home for me,” Bradshaw said to On3. “I felt the most comfortable there. It’s the best fit for me and has my best interest. I just want to get there and work hard to get where I want to go.”

In a previous interview with On3, Bradshaw further discussed the Wildcats.

“I mean, you know how many pros went there; how many players made it to the league, successfully and still in the NBA. There are a lot of those guys. They like how I am a down-to-earth kind of kid. I am a big who can dribble and shoot threes, I feel like I can fit in most systems, but Kentucky has had a lot of guys play in the league who can do that.”

When Bradshaw received an offer from Kentucky, it meant a great deal to him.

“I ain’t gonna lie, I started crying because when you work for something and you actually get it, it’s a surreal feeling,” Bradshaw said.

He also discussed his game and playstyle with On3’s Jamie Shaw.

“I block shots. I shoot the ball, but I am a defensive type guy. The mental aspect of my game has developed the most. In my mind, I feel like I am the best big in the country. People have constantly told me that, and now I believe it. I watch a lot of Anthony Davis and his skill set. He is big like me and can face up, shoot it, and still play defense.”

Scouting Summary

Aaron Bradshaw has a long and lean frame. A legit 7-foot-0, there is a lot of skill involved in Bradshaw’s success. He is a smooth shooter off the catch with range extending out to the three-point line. He cuts hard off the ball and can knock down elbow jumpers off the catch. Bradshaw can attack in straight lines off one and two dribbles. Bradshaw is stiff in the hips, and his lower body leads to questions about his ability to open up and move laterally. He will need to add significant strength to his core and lower body. There is a lot of vertical pop; Bradshaw is a vertical spacing threat from the dunker spots and as a rim runner. Despite the thin frame, he is willing to stick his nose into the mix at the rim. He rebounds with two hands and is a natural shot blocker. Bradshaw is trending as a top three or four center in his class. – On3’s Jamie Shaw, National Recruiting Analyst