NCAA Basketball: Impact of Kentucky landing 5-star big Aaron Bradshaw
Kentucky is loaded for the 2023-24 season
The addition of Bradshaw gives the Wildcats the third top-10 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, according to 247sports. That includes top-5 small forward Justin Edwards, top-10 point guard Robert Dillingham, and current top-30 shooting guard, Reed Sheppard.
What’s crazy is that Kentucky still isn’t done adding to its 2023 class. They’re considered one of the frontrunners for top-10 power forward prospect, Ron Holland, as well as DJ Wagner, one of the top guards and ranked in the top-10 as well. In fact, there have been some changes regarding predictions for where he’ll end up.
After pulling back my Crystal Ball pick for DJ Wagner to Louisville in July, I have now updated made my pick to the University of Kentucky. || Story: https://t.co/qa3ooNbkDU pic.twitter.com/bgQJvYwaV7
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) October 15, 2022
The recruitment of Wagner has arguably been the most high-profile and it’s essentially been down to Kentucky and Louisville for a while. Having Dillingham and Wagner in the backcourt gives them one of the best freshmen duos in recent memory and with Bradshaw anchoring the paint, will make them definite national title contenders in 2024.
With Tshiebwe likely gone, Bradshaw will become the next starting center after him. The team also has former five-star prospect Daimion Collins but he’s also a pro candidate to leave after this season. There’s also Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso, a 7’0 center who reclassed to play this season but is a redshirt candidate. He’s more of a true defender and has plenty of developing to do so he’s not a threat to Bradshaw in terms of playing time.
All eyes are on now on Wagner and Holland for Kentucky. If they land even one, they’ll pass up Duke for the No. 1 overall class. Land them both and expect some preseason No. 1 votes a year from now.