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.

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.

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.