BB Recruiting

Future Wildcats Shine In the McDonald’s All-American Game

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2023

Most all-star basketball games do not produce the best basketball product, primarily due to a lack of effort and defense. However, the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game did not disappoint.

While there were some lapses in effort, the game was close for the majority of the time. In the end, it came down to free throws, as the DJ Wagner-led East squad escaped from the West with a 109-106 win.

Fortunately for Kentucky fans, there is plenty to be excited about as all four future Wildcats that played in the game, played well, and even showed what they will look to bring to Lexington next season. Let’s take a look to see how each of them performed!

Aaron Bradshaw finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds, Justin Edwards finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, with Reed Sheppard having 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

DJ Wagner

To start, DJ Wagner arrived at Tuesday night’s game in style, driving a Rolls Royce in a NIL partnership with Lex Ecotics, a new exotic and high-end performance car club in Lexington. With that said, he brought the play to back it up.

Future Kentucky Wildcat DJ Wagner pulled up to tonight’s McDonald’s All-American Game in style ✨, driving a Rolls Royce in an NIL partnership with Lex Exotic.

The Kentucky effect! #BBN pic.twitter.com/PDnXOVpNb7— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) March 28, 2023

Despite not scoring in the first half, Wagner exploded in the second half, displaying his ability to score from all three levels. Wagner finished the game with 19 points, including four points in the final minute from a game-winning layup and game-clinching free throws, to go along with 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. This performance earned him Co-MVP honors of the game, making him the first Wildcat to do so since Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

With that said, Wagner’s performance is telling of his entire weekend, as he performed well in Sunday’s scrimmage and through practices all weekend. In fact, one NBA scout cited Wagner as one of the three best players in their evaluation.

Kentucky is getting a very talented player in Wagner, and one with an extremely competitive attitude. It was good to see him connect with Justin Edwards multiple times, something we’re going to see a lot of in Lexington.

Aaron Bradshaw

Probably the most talked about player this weekend, at least among Kentucky signees, Aaron Bradshaw was very impressive throughout the weekend. Most discussions were about his ability to stretch the floor as a seven-footer, as he possesses excellent shooting ability and is comfortable with the ball at his size.

In Tuesday’s game, Bradshaw put his skillset on display. Coming off the bench, Bradshaw checked in and immediately hit a catch-and-shoot jumper, then hit two free throws after getting fouled. It wasn’t just his jump shot, as Bradshaw was very active on the glass as well, grabbing 8 rebounds, as a lot of his 18 points came from his offensive rebounds.

With his size and perimeter skills, Bradshaw is a player that John Calipari has rarely had during his time at Kentucky, so it will be interesting to see how he is utilized. This past week, Bradshaw mentioned that Calipari had talked about potentially playing some at the three or four.

Justin Edwards

Justin Edwards may be the most well-rounded player in the class, but had somewhat of a quiet weekend in practices and the scrimmage. He stepped up on Tuesday, finishing with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Six of his points came directly off passes from DJ Wagner.

In the game, Edwards displayed his ability to drive and shoot the open three, but also showcased his defensive ability. Late in the second half, Edwards came up with the steal that led to the game-winning layup.

Edwards is good in a lot of areas, but if he can develop and start to excel in some areas, he could raise Kentucky’s ceiling next season.

Reed Sheppard

If you questioned if Reed Sheppard could play with the best in the country, he showed he could last night. Finishing the game with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, Sheppard didn’t jump off the box score but showed that he can impact a game in a multitude of ways.

Reed had one of the best highlights of the night having back-to-back steals, where had a dunk and then an assist.

Reed Sheppard may not be in Lexington for as long as we might want 😤 pic.twitter.com/Ist1NPbQ5K— WT – baseball season (@WildcatsTongue) March 29, 2023

All weekend, Sheppard has received compliments on his ability and willingness to play within a team dynamic and do whatever is asked of him. When asked what role he will play at Kentucky last night, he echoed that same sentiment, saying, “A happy dude that will do whatever he can to win.”

Kentucky’s four McDonald’s All-Americans were all impressive this weekend, whether it was in the game, or in practices and the scrimmage. It will be really fun when they, along with Rob Dillingham, arrive in Lexington.

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Basketball Conducts Zoom Call With Fifth Year Transfer Keyshawn Hall

Published

1 month ago

August 4, 2026

Tristan Pharis

The Kentucky basketball staff is looking to fill their final roster spot, and conducted a Zoom call with fifth year Auburn transfer Keyshawn Hall.

IMAGN

On Friday afternoon, a preliminary injunction granted by a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado gave athletes from the 2022 high school class a fifth season of eligibility, potentially creating another transfer portal opportunity late into the offseason.

This is something the Kentucky basketball staff has been monitoring through the offseason, potentially using it as an avenue to add the 15th and final player to the roster. One name that the staff has communicated with is fifth-year Auburn transfer Keyshawn Hall. According to a source, Kentucky conducted a Zoom call with Hall on Monday.

Hall is a well-traveled athlete, playing for four schools in four seasons. Starting his career at UNLV, he has since played for George Mason, UCF, and Auburn last season.

While at Auburn, Hall averaged 19.3 PPG and 7.1 RPG on 45/38/86 shooting clips, with a 60.6 true shooting percentage. The 6-7 wing could bring versatility and shot creation at the four spot, potentially playing the three in big lineups. However, there are some concerns. On the court, Hall struggles with defensive consistency. Off the court, Hall was suspended for a game last season, with Auburn coach Steven Pearl citing that he “did not live up to the standards of our program this week.”

Mark Pope said that the last piece of the roster would be one that fit. Hall is certainly talented, and if Pope and Co. are pursuing him, they are confident that he is a good fit and that they can handle the concerns.

It is worth noting that the NCAA filed an emergency motion in hopes that a federal judge will stay a nationwide injunction, stating that in the injuction is sustained it would destabilize program rosters and impair the NCAA’s ability to self-governwould destabilize rosters and impair the NCAA’s ability to self-govern.

The speed at which the appeal will be reviewed will be seen, but as it stands, Hall is eligible for another season of college basketball, and Kentucky is interested.

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

BB Recruiting

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

Published

3 months ago

July 2, 2026

Tristan Pharis

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.

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.

BB Recruiting

Kentucky Basketball Receives Prediction to Land International Star Nikola Kusturica

Published

3 months ago

June 17, 2026

Tristan Pharis

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.

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.

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.