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Aaron Bradshaw and His Off-Court Development, “He’s Taking Responsibility”

Published

9 months ago

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A playful character off the court, Aaron Bradshaw has become one of Kentucky's most mature players.
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Coming to Kentucky as a former No. 1 recruit is a lot of pressure, expected to be a star freshman and ultimately a one-and-done player going to the NBA. That pressure can be made worse when those expectations aren’t met, which could allow for some resentment and selfishness.

Not for Aaron Bradshaw.

Once ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class, Bradshaw came to Kentucky with those same expectations. A playful character off the court, Bradshaw has grown to be one of the most mature players on this Kentucky team, despite things not going to plan.

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First, he suffered an offseason foot injury that sidelined him for six months, including missing GLOBL Jam in the summer and the first month of the regular season. Amidst that, had to endure unfair rumors about if he would ever play for Kentucky. Rumors he showed frustration toward and called “BS” at Kentucky media day.

Upon returning to the court in December, Bradshaw put up a double-double in just his second game, then followed it up with some game-winning plays over North Carolina. It looked as if he was going to live up to that ranking. Then came the struggles, in large part due to the physicality of the SEC.

After averaging 21 minutes in his first eleven games, he has averaged just 10 minutes in the eleven games since. That includes playing single-digit minutes in four of the last five games and looks to be the third big man in Kentucky’s rotation.

His decreasing playing time has coincided with his dropping draft stock. Before the season he projected as a top-10 pick. In December/January, a first-round pick. Now, Bradshaw is not listed on nearly any draft board.

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Bradshaw has reason to be upset, but if you look on the bench you will struggle to find anyone happier. Cheering for his teammate’s success and the team’s success.

Elliott Hess | UK Athletics

Just look at this photo. A jubilant smile on Bradshaw’s face as Kentucky beat a Top 15 Auburn team on the road, as double-digit underdogs. By his expression, you wouldn’t know that he had only played three minutes, his lowest minute total of the season.

This started back in the offseason. Unable to play improve on the court, Bradshaw examined for ways to improve off the court. “My main focus is becoming a better teammate,” he told me at Kentucky media day. “It’s not going to be every day I am going to step on the court and play the whole time. There are times I am going to be on the bench.”

A “great teammate” he has been, throughout interviews this season, nearly every player, unprompted has attributed such to Bradshaw. That joy and encouragement toward his teammates even holds for the two players he battles against for playing time, Zvonimir Ivisic and Ugonna Onyenso, who also may be his two closest friends on the team. “The Seven Footers” they call themselves.

“If they’re playing better than me, it’s not their fault, it’s my fault,” Bradshaw said. “Him or Ugo playing better than me, it’s not a bad thing. That’s selfish. If they got it going, they got it going… We all love each other.”

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That love has helped each of them lean on one another and overcome hardships this season. Bradshaw and Onyenso with injuries, and Ivisic with his eligibility case. “Aaron is my guy. We’re together every day, on/off the court,” Ivisic said. “He’s helped me a lot. School, practices. Everything that I needed him for, he’s been there for me. He’s my guy, my brother.”

Through the challenges, Bradshaw has also trusted his Hall of Fame coach, John Calipari, who he says is the reason he came to Kentucky.

“Coach Cal really knows what he is doing. He’s doing it on purpose,” Bradshaw said. “I was never a person on the bench. Now that I am, I gotta figure out other ways to impact the game.”

Against Arkansas, Bradshaw found ways to impact the game and he played his best game of 2024, putting up 15 points and 5 rebounds, in just 12 minutes. Calipari, who has since been told of Bradshaw’s comments, applauds his attitude. “Instead of blaming or doing any of that, he’s taking responsibility and he’s playing better.”

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For Bradshaw, he has not had the on-court production he hoped for, but it hasn’t stopped him from getting better. Becoming a better man, teammate, and friend off the court.

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Men's Basketball

Former Kentucky Player, Top Recruit Could Be Involved in Point Shaving Scheme

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1 day ago

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November 23, 2024

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Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw is alleged to be involved in a college gambling scandal.

Once a projected top-10 pick, former Kentucky Wildcat Aaron Bradshaw is now away from the Ohio State basketball program for unclear reasons.

On Friday, the program released a statement that Bradshaw is not currently participating in team activities, but that they could not comment further due to federal privacy laws.

“Aaron Bradshaw is not currently participating in team activities,” the statement read. “The university is following its established process. Due to federal privacy laws, we cannot share further information at this time.”

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Ohio State coach Jake Diebler held a press conference Friday night after the Buckeyes’ win over Campbell, where he said could not provide further comment and referred to the University’s public statement.

“Regarding Aaron, I understand you may have some questions,” Diebler said to open his postgame press conference. “As stated, have to refer to the statement that was released and can’t have any comment on that. Respect the job you have to do. Just know I cannot comment on that any further.”

This comes shortly after news of a federal investigation into sports wagering activities broke earlier this week. Former Temple and Virginia Tech guard Hysier Miller was dismissed from the Hokies last month due to the investigation which first started after the Owls were flagged in March by a watchdog group for suspicious gambling activity.

With more names expected to be released in the coming weeks, the investigation has begun to narrow its search to players with ties to Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. Of course, Bradshaw is from Camden, New Jersey, just across the Deleware River from Philadelphia, and those with knowledge of the situation are suggesting he could be involved.

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Court documents do show that Bradshaw recently failed to appear in court following a speeding violation, where he was clocked at 102 mph in a 65 mph zone. However, similar situations of student-athletes speeding have not been handled in this fashion.

The wording of the statement does not make it seem like a minor incident that will soon blow over. This is certainly something to keep an eye on, with some believing it could lead to a nationwide ban on college sports betting.

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Men's Basketball

Kentucky vs. Jackson State: TV/Streaming Info, Keys to the Game, and Betting Odds/Predictions

Published

2 days ago

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November 22, 2024

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Kentucky players encouraging each other at Rupp Arena.
Chet White | UK Athletics

The Kentucky Wildcats are back in action Friday to face the Jackson State Tigers in the second game of the BBN Invitational.

To put it simply, Jackson State is bad, very bad. Sitting at 0-5 and ranked 321st in KenPom, the Tigers will likely be the worst opponent Kentucky will play all season.

Coached by Mo Williams, one of LeBron James’ old teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Tigers have only finished above .500 twice in the last decade. This season, Jackson State is predicted to finish fourth in the SWAC.

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Mark Pope recently said he wanted to build a standard, regardless of opponent and, and that will be tested on Friday.

Let’s take a look at the matchup.

More 3-Point Attempts

Admittedly nitpicking, one of the things that Mark Pope was not happy with in Kentucky’s win over Lipscomb was the amount of three-point attempts. While they shot nearly 50 percent from deep, going 12-25, Pope wants to see the number of attempts closer to 35.

The Tigers have allowed their opponents to shoot 47.8 percent from deep, the second-worst mark in the country. Pope and the staff will certainly generate a game plan to take advantage of this. Expect to see 30+ attempts.

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Ball Movement

Despite beating Lipscomb by 29 points, the Wildcats had a season-low in assists with just ten. For context, Kentucky had averaged more than 23 assists per game entering the matchup.

“That’s not us. That’s not who we are,” Pope said after the game.

While there wasn’t a lot of selfishness, the ball just wasn’t ‘flying’ as it has been early this season. This is a priority for the staff and this mature group, and they will aim for 25+ assists.

Keep JSU off the Free-Throw Line

Jackson State ranks in the top 100 nationally in one area: Free throws made per game. So, Kentucky, defend without fouling.

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Kentucky’s offense makes headlines, but the defense has played very well to start the season, holding all four opponents to under 73 points. Let’s see if they can get down in a stance and defend well for 40 minutes vs. a team that stresses contact and drawing fouls.

Opposing Players to Watch

C Shannon Grant 6-11, 290 lbs

  • 7.5 PPG
  • 4.8
  • Preseason All-SWAC First Team selection

G Jayme Mitchell Jr 6-5, 190 lbs

  • 15.0 PPG
  • 3.8 RPG
  • 44.4% 3P

F Romelle Mansel 6-9, 220 lbs

  • 10.8 PPG
  • 5.8 RPG
  • 31.7% FG (second most FG attempts on the team)

Kentucky Wildcats Basketball vs. Jackson State Tigers

Time: 7 PM ET on November 22nd
Location: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
TV Channel: This game will not be on TV and is streaming only,
Online Stream: SEC Network+, ESPN+, and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens have the radio call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | JSU
Stats to Know: UK | JSU
KenPom: UK | JSU
Team Sheet: UK | JSU

Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has yet to release the odds for the game, so check Thursday afternoon for an official spread. Multiple projections give Kentucky a 99% chance of winning: Bart Torvik (99%), EvanMiya (99.9%), and ESPN (99.0%). The exception is KenPom (92%).

Predictions: KenPom (93-63), Haslametrics (96-63), Bart Torvik (95-61), and EvanMiya (96-59) all are going with a 30+ point victory, Kentucky!

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Men's Basketball

Kentucky Basketball Players Say They Think About Winning National Championship “Every Second”

Published

6 days ago

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November 18, 2024

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Kentucky basketball players celebrate after their big over Duke.
IMAGN

The expectations at Kentucky are the highest of any school in the country, and there is good reason why. The winningest college program ever. Eight national titles, under five different coaches. Seventeen Final Four appearances. You get it, a lot of success.

Fans want the players to have those same expectations. Despite not having the elite talent or preseason hype of great Kentucky teams past, this year’s team still has their eyes set on doing something “people will remember forever”, winning a national championship.

Asked on social media, if hanging banner #9 was all the players thought about “every second”, Ansley Almonor had a response.

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“We do.”

It takes a lot to win a national championship, including some luck, but this team is certainly going to be loved for their desire to live out their dream of playing at Kentucky and their unselfishness. Those two things can take them a long way this season .

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