BREAKING: 5-star center Aaron Bradshaw commits to Kentucky

Kentucky has picked up a commitment from 2023 five-star center Aaron Bradshaw, who chose the Wildcats over Louisville and the pro route (G-League Ignite)

Leading up to his commitment, On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine gave Kentucky an 85.4% chance to land the 7-foot-1 center out of Roselle, NJ.

Bradshaw is rated as the No. 17 overall prospect and No. 3 center in the On3 Consensus. He joins five-star guards Justin Edwards and Robert Dillingham, along with four-star guard Reed Sheppard in Kentucky’s 2023 recruiting class.

What are the Wildcats getting in the five-star senior? An all-around center with a knack for blocking shots.

“Aaron is a dog,” Bradshaw told KSR. “I just like to play basketball, play defense, always show a ton of effort out there. … I’ve gotten really good at (blocking shots). It’s like a little game I play in my head. Once a player goes up (for a shot), I feel like it’s my job to block it.”

The 7-footer took an official visit to Kentucky back on June 10 after receiving a scholarship offer from the program in April.

“(The offer) meant a lot,” he told KSR. “It showed how much work I put in, how much effort I put in. It’s just a really big moment for me. They want me to just keep working. Keep getting better and keep working.”

What was the final deciding factor in his recruitment? Finding a program that felt like home.

“Kentucky is home for me,” Bradshaw told 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.”

Bradshaw is a high school and grassroots teammate of five-star guard DJ Wagner, arguably Kentucky’s top recruiting target in the rising senior class. After developing chemistry both on and off the floor with Wagner over the past several years, Bradshaw would like to continue playing with his “brother” at the next level.

“I would like to play with him in college,” he told KSR. “That’s my brother and I would really like to play with him. (I like) everything (about his game). He’s just a great person and teammate, not a selfish person only caring about himself. He’s one of the least selfish people in the world.”

Earning a commitment from Bradshaw is a major recruiting win in itself for John Calipari and the Kentucky basketball program. Factor in his relationship with Wagner, and there’s plenty to celebrate in Lexington today.

Welcome to the family.