KSR's takeaways from day one of McDonald's All-American Game practices

KSR has boots on the ground in Houston, where day one of McDonald’s All-American Game practices just wrapped up. Four Kentucky signees are in attendance, with DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards, Aaron Bradshaw and Reed Sheppard all set to participate — the first three on the East, fourth on the West.

How did the Wildcats look on day one? KSR has the breakdown.

DJ Wagner

There wasn’t a more impressive player on the East squad than Wagner, who again proved why he is the top combo guard in the senior class. The five-star prospect out of New Jersey very quickly looked to prove himself as the alpha on a team of standout talent, taking control of the offense and setting the tone on defense. He knocked down shots during early shooting drills, then did the same in three-on-three and five-on-five scrimmages. As an initiator, Wagner got his paint touches and finished with strength around the basket — he appears to have bulked up a bit — while also keeping an eye out for kick-out and dump-off opportunities.

And on the other end, the 6-foot-3 guard competed, often after a made bucket or assist on offense. No personal equity built up to allow for the occasional slip-up, short-term memory on both ends. Wagner was fiery and vocal, clearly playing with something to prove. Analysts have been looking for reasons to move him down in the rankings after holding firm at the top for so long, and after day one, it’s clear they’ll be having seller’s remorse. No one was better at the guard position.

Justin Edwards

It was a rocky start for the versatile wing out of Philadelphia, struggling to get out of a shooting rut from the mid-range, an area he typically thrives in. He was getting to his spots, but couldn’t get them to drop in individual work and early three-on-three action. The finish, though, was quite solid, with Edwards really finding some chemistry with Wagner out on the perimeter, working off of each other well for scoring opportunities. His future point guard found him some easy catch-and-shoot looks from three, letting him find his groove a bit before his other elite traits took over.

Edwards looked to get out in transition and had one brilliant and-one bucket through contact, followed by a few other deep threes, assisted by Wagner. His individual play was solid, but the bigger story was just how well he and the fellow Kentucky signee worked off one another.

Aaron Bradshaw

Also on the same floor, but on the other team in the intrasquad scrimmage, was the 7-foot-1 signee out of New Jersey — Wagner’s high school and grassroots teammate. Bradshaw had a few strong sequences during the scrimmage portion showing off a ferocious dunk in transition, a fadeaway jumper from the post and a smooth make from the mid-range, thriving overall as a face-up big. He very clearly won the head-to-head battle with Michigan State signee Xavier Booker, outplaying him on both ends of the floor, really limiting the 6-foot-11 forward from gaining any momentum. At one point Bradshaw earned a standing ovation from his teammates when diving for a loose ball and wrestling it away from two defenders, showing off some fight in a morning his skill and finesse was put on display.

The future Wildcat turned heads most during individual shooting drills and warmups, knocking down jumper after jumper, both from the mid-range and three. Kentucky coaches have called him a unicorn in the past, singling out his shot-making abilities while also being the athletic rim-running and shot-blocking big his size and length allow.

Reed Sheppard

All eyes were on the North Laurel star this morning, looking to see just how much he belonged on a court loaded with the nation’s best. And admittedly, it wasn’t the best start for Sheppard, who found himself beat off the dribble and scored on during early drills. Matched up against Bronny James, it was the son of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar who won the early battles.

But the son of Jeff and Stacey Sheppard — he’s rocking the No. 15 like his old man — settled in and found his footing on both ends. He was active defensively, forcing steals and blocking a few quick shots, then looked to make plays for his teammates as a primary ball-handler. His biggest highlight came on an off-balanced lefty runner on the baseline, crafty and creative when the confidence came through during the scrimmage portion of the morning.

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The quartet of future Wildcats will compete in a head-to-head scrimmage this afternoon, broadcast live on ESPN+ starting at 4 p.m. ET. Media isn’t allowed in, but KSR hopes to find a way inside and bring you on-site coverage from the event. If not, we’ll be streaming it online like the rest of you.

Either way, a very nice start for Wagner, Edwards, Bradshaw and Sheppard in the prestigious event.