Should Kentucky feel confident with Aaron Bradshaw? Top 20 prospect says he will visit Kentucky, Maryland, UCLA

Aaron Bradshaw is the 2023 On3 Consensus No. 20 player overall and the No. 2 center. Through eight EYBL games this April, Bradshaw is averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. He is shooting 65.6-percent from the field and 90-percent from the free-throw line.

“I block shots,” Bradshaw told On3. “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.”

While he recently released a top seven with On3’s National Recruiting Expert Joe Tipton, On3 caught up with Aaron Bradshaw this weekend to get a more specific view of his top schools.

“I have not taken any visits yet, but I plan to take some officials soon; Kentucky, Maryland, and UCLA, for sure,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw talks visits

UCLA: “Their coaching, I like their coaching, and a couple of my guys went there. Everyone has a different type of game, and they give their players the freedom to play their game. I feel like that is my type of school.”

Maryland: “Coach Grant (Billmeier) is my guy. That sticks out to me and makes me like the school a little more.”

Kentucky: “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.”

Bradshaw’s take

“I will look closely at how the coaches treat me,” Bradshaw said. “I’ll get a feel for how the players interact with me and one another. I can play in any system, and fit will matter more than where the school is, so location and system don’t really matter as much. I’ll be sure to ask a lot of questions, like what their plan is for me. Like if I leave early, can I still come back to graduate, things like that.”

On3’s take

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.