Connect with us

BB Recruiting

DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw’s High School Career Ended Following On-Court Altercation

Published

3 years ago

on

© CHRIS LACHALL/USA TODAY NETWORK ATLANTIC GROUP / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Thursday night, Camden High School would take on Camden Eastside for the title game in the inaugural Camden County Tournament in New Jersey. The game, unfortunately, came to an abrupt end, being suspended after a brawl broke out between the two teams.

The game took place at Cherry Hill High School, a neutral site for both teams. Camden was leading the game 30-17 with 4:23 left in the second quarter when the fight initiated. Eastside’s Titus Bacon appeared to initiate a screen in which he was met with a forearm from Camden’s Cornelius Robinson. In retaliation, Bacon threw a punch toward Robinson in the same instance. A foul was called, but the action did not stop when the whistle was blown.

Kentucky signee, DJ Wagner acted instantly in defense of his Camden teammate, chasing after the Eastside player. Wagner had to be held back by teammates and coaches as benches and bleachers were cleared in the scuffle. Current teammate and fellow future Wildcat, Aaron Bradshaw, was one of the first teammates there to assist in pulling Wagner out of the situation.

Advertisement

The action was broken up by coaches, officials, spectators, and members of the Cherry Hill police department. Due to the escalated situation, the remainder of the game was suspended.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the altercation.

Camden and Eastside suspended from state tournament

No action goes without consequence. On Friday, Katrina McCombs, State District Superintendent of the Camden County School District announced that the district will be withdrawing Camden and Camden Eastside from state tournament participation.

Per McCombs’ press release, “we know meaningful action must be taken and it must be done swiftly which is why the District will be withdrawing both teams from NJSIAA [New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association] tournament play. This initiative is being taken to ensure that our scholar-athletes know that accountability for their actions is paramount not only in basketball but also in the larger game of life.”

Advertisement

Regretfully, future Wildcats DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw have played their final games for Camden High. They will miss the opportunity to defend their state title.

Camden held a 23-2 record and was set to be the No. 2 seed in their respective section of the state tournament. They were a favorite to win the tournament.

Camden’s first-year coach, Maalik Wayns, released a statement via Twitter issuing an apology and taking “full responsibility” for the actions involving his team.

What does this mean for Wagner and Bradshaw at Kentucky?

Hopefully, Camden’s suspension from the state tournament will be the extent of their punishment. At this time, there is nothing indicating that Wagner or Bradshaw would face any consequences affecting their collegiate career.

Advertisement

When news of Camden’s brawl hit the Big Blue Nation, there were mixed thoughts and feelings reflected across social media.

Some Kentucky fans looked at Wagner’s actions in a positive light, appreciating his toughness and grit to fight in his teammates’ defense. Many took the opportunity to apply the popular expression, “he’s got that dawg in him.”

On the other hand, there were plenty of fans who had the opposite view. Fighting in sports isn’t really the best look, especially if it creates negative consequences affecting the rest of the team.

Regardless of how it may seem, having a player with some grit and an edge might be exactly what Kentucky Basketball needs. DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw will both bring toughness and willingness to battle that every coach wants to see in their players.

Advertisement

It is a tough break for the two future Wildcats to lose the opportunity to play for another state championship. However, it will also serve as an invaluable situation for these young players to learn, grow, and mature from before they get to Lexington.

As it stands, both Wagner and Bradshaw are still eligible to play in the McDonald’s All-American game on March 28th.

Advertisement
Related Topics:
Advertisement

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Is in Daily Contact with Five-Star Big Man Darius Wabbington, “Kentucky’s legacy is no joke”

Published

3 weeks ago

on

July 2, 2026

By

Five-star big man Darius Wabbington lists Kentucky among six finalists, praising Mark Pope's coaching, Kentucky's program prestige, and Mo Williams' recruiting energy.
Team USA

As the high school basketball circuits conclude later this month, college basketball coaches are starting to key in on their primary targets for the 2027 class. For Kentucky, one such player is five-star big man Darius Wabbington.

Kentucky assistants Cody Fueger and Mo Williams have been in contact with Wabbington on a daily basis, trying to convince him that Kentucky is the place for him. When asked about Williams, the newest coach on the UK staff, “Great energy,” Wabbington exclaimed. “Another extremely smart coach who knows what it takes to get to the next level.”

Since joining the staff in April, Williams has really made a difference for the Wildcats on the recruiting trail, with multiple prospects having positive things to say about him and his recruiting approach.

Advertisement

As for what Wabbington is looking for in his future school, he is prioritizing fit and his relationship with the coaching staff, and he has a positive view of Mark Pope and the prestige of Kentucky basketball.

“I think Mark Pope is one of the best coaches in the country, and Kentucky’s legacy is no joke. I’d love to be a part of both”

The two sides are working on setting up a visit, as Kentucky was announced as one of six finalists earlier this week, along with Arizona, Texas, Louisville, Indiana, and North Carolina.

In June, Mark Pope got a commitment from top-ten prospect, Ryan Hampton, who Wabbington calls “my guy,” and could begin recruiting him to join him in Lexington.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Basketball Receives Prediction to Land International Star Nikola Kusturica

Published

1 month ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

Kentucky basketball has taken over as the favorite for Serbian star Nikola Kusturica, a projected lottery pick in 2028, with a prediction backing the Wildcats.

Just when many believed Kentucky’s roster was complete in terms of contributing players, Mark Pope might have an ace up his sleeve.

Last week, it was reported that Kentucky was among the frontrunners to land 6-foot-8 Serbian wing Nikola Kusturica. At the time, Gonzaga was thought to be the team to beat, having a more defined role to offer, compared to Kentucky, who has one remaining roster spot and a good amount of depth in wing positions.

Since then, things have shifted in a big way.

Advertisement

Gonzaga received a commitment from 18-year-old French guard Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa on Sunday. By Tuesday night, the Wildcats received a Crystal Ball prediction from 247Sports’ Travis Branham to land Kusturica, with a confidence level of 7 out of 10.

The 6-foot-8 wing currently plays for FC Barcelona in Spain’s Liga ACB and EuroLeague system. He just turned 17 years old and is reportedly seeking a two-year college opportunity before becoming draft-eligible in 2028, where he is already being projected as a lottery pick.

The on-court résumé speaks for itself. In the 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket, he averaged 20 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while leading Serbia to a championship and was named tournament MVP. He also helped Barcelona capture the Adidas NextGen Finals championship last month, posting 20 points and 10 rebounds in the title game against Real Madrid.

Next, Kusturica will represent Serbia in the FIBA U17 World Cup from June 27 to July 5, and a college decision could come before then.

Advertisement

Mark Pope is carrying a lot of momentum in recent weeks after retaining Malachi Moreno and adding Milan Momcilovic to this season’s roster, as well as landing the first top 10 prospect of his career in Ryan Hampton. If he can close on Kusturica, that would cap off the roster in a significant way and continue to change the narrative around his recruiting ability.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Earns Commitment From No. 6 Prospect in 2027 Class Ryan Hampton

Published

2 months ago

on

June 7, 2026

By

Photo via UK Athletics


How about a Sunday boom in the recruiting world for you BBN? 

Ryan Hampton, the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2027 class, has officially committed to the University of Kentucky! This is Mark Pope’s first top-10 prospect that he’s earned a commitment from.

Hailing from Rockwall, Texas, Hampton recently took an official visit to campus with his family, which began on Friday, June 5 and spilled into Sunday, June 7, his commitment day. 

Advertisement

The five-star wing averaged 21.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during the most recent EYBL Circuit, playing for LivOn and Nightrydas.

Hampton was the first recruit in the 2027 to officially visit with the Wildcats, and now he’s the first to call their shot early and choose the blue and white. 

Pope has signed Milan Momcilovic, the No. 2 ranked transfer, and Hampton, his first top-10 high school prospect just in the past week.

It’s been a crazy week for recruiting, with the narrative around Pope’s ability slowing fading as the top guys continue to be attracted to the Kentucky brand. 

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending