Aaron Bradshaw, Ugonna Onyenso have no timeline for a return

John Calipari unintentionally made headlines during Kentucky men’s basketball’s Pro Day a couple of weeks ago when he put a 5-7 week projected timeline for return on a pair of the Wildcats’ seven-footers, Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso. Those two have been recovering from foot surgeries they both underwent during the summer and it’s becoming increasingly clear that it might be a few more weeks — at the earliest — before they step on the hardwood.

All we know is that Onyenso will likely return after Bradshaw due to the timing of their respective surgeries.

Ever since those comments, Calipari has backtracked a bit, instead leaving their returns more open-ended. Moving forward, he’s not going to put any date on when they might suit up for in-game action. They’ll come back whenever they’re fully healthy. That was the same sentiment that both Bradshaw and Onyenso shared during Wednesday’s Media Day when asked if they could elaborate on a potential return.

“I do not have a timeline. I’m just worried about getting back,” Onyenso told reporters. “Most of my time during the day, I spend it with my trainer, getting better, my strength coach. I’ve gotten a little stronger from last year. That’s actually a great thing.”

“I don’t have a timeline for you yet, but I’m doing everything and just trying to keep my focus on getting better,” Bradshaw said.

Make no mistake, they both fully intend on playing this season, especially Bradshaw, who was emphatic that he would play this season. Neither player would delve deeper into any sort of projected return, though.

“When that time comes, I think we’ll all know,” Onyenso added. “Right now, I’m just working my way towards coming back.”

If there’s been one good thing that Bradshaw and Onyenso have taken away from their injuries though, it would be the the connection they formed with each other and their teammates. Both bigs have missed nearly the same amount of time and are watching practice from the sidelines together. When times get tough, they can lean on each other.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened but I’m getting to know Aaron outside of basketball,” Onyenso said. “I have created a great relationship with Aaron. He always says he’s my African brother. Being with Aaron, he helps me and I help him too.”

“It’s been hard, but with the help of the staff, my mom, and a couple of the guys on the team, it’s been a breeze to me,” Bradshaw added.

Kentucky is likely going to start the 2023-24 season without at least two of their seven-footers. The jury is still out on when exactly the third seven-footer, Zvonimir Ivisic, might make his debut, although that is expected to happen as soon as the Wildcats’ second exhibition game. That leaves 6-foot-9 veteran forward Tre Mitchell as Kentucky’s lone big man going into the start of the schedule.

UK will be able to skate by early on without Bradshaw and Onyenso, but they’ll eventually be needed as the season toils along. Unfortunately, we’ll have to just sit and wait for that time to come.

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