Aaron Bradshaw will not play in GLOBL JAM, says he'll be cleared soon

Good news and bad news, Big Blue Nation.

Let’s start with the bad first: Kentucky will be without five-star big Aaron Bradshaw when it heads to Toronto for the 2023 GLOBL JAM.

The 7-foot-1 native of Rahway, NJ went live on Instagram late Thursday afternoon to answer a few questions from fans, specifically regarding his injured foot. When asked about a potential timeline for return, Bradshaw confirmed he would join the Wildcats in Canada, but will not play.

With the freshman standout missing the event, Kentucky will be left with Ugonna Onyenso as the lone center on the roster. 2024 four-star big Somto Cyril remains a serious reclass target for the Wildcats, but his addition won’t be finalized until August — assuming he chooses UK, obviously — sources tell KSR. All three may be on the roster this season, but only one will be available in Toronto.

Now for the good news: Bradshaw believes he’ll be “cleared soon” after suffering the foot injury during the McDonald’s All-American Game. How long until he returns to basketball activities? The five-star freshman said he hoped to be back in 3-6 weeks — a timeline that could get him back on the floor in time for workouts in August.

“We’re good, BBN,” he said.

Aaron Bradshaw on IG Live: "I'm not playing at GLOBL JAM. … I'll be cleared soon. We're good BBN."

Says he got injured in the McDonald's All-American Game

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) June 22, 2023

Bradshaw’s update comes after Shams Charania of The Athletic reported he had suffered a fracture in his foot and “could miss start of the 2023-24 season,” though the Kentucky program remains optimistic about a full recovery.

Sources tell KSR the versatile big man underwent surgery this past week and September to October was a realistic timeline for return to live action. Assuming there are no setbacks, that could put him back on the floor in time for the regular season.

No matter the timeline — or pushback from outside influences — it’s clear Bradshaw himself wants to suit up for John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats.