Lexington, Kentucky – In a thrilling game against Florida on Saturday, Kentucky men’s basketball freshman forward Aaron Bradshaw emerged as a hero, earning him the title of Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week. Bradshaw’s crucial block and go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:27 left on the clock lifted the Wildcats to a come-from-behind victory on the road.
Under the tenure of Coach John Calipari, UK has dominated the SEC weekly honors, with a staggering 130 awards. Out of those, 99 have been SEC Freshman of the Week titles, and 31 have been SEC Player of the Week recognitions. Bradshaw joins a prestigious list of UK freshmen who have earned this accolade in the current season, alongside Reed Sheppard and D.J. Wagner, both of whom have received the honor twice.
Bradshaw’s impact on the game was undeniable. He contributed 10 points, all earned during the final 9:05 of the match. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by grabbing seven rebounds, delivering two steals, and executing a game-changing block when the score was tied at 76. This defensive stop resulted in a shot-clock violation for the Gators. Building on this momentum, Bradshaw confidently sank a 3-pointer on the next possession, which not only secured the lead for Kentucky but also helped the team overcome an 11-point deficit. These 10 points marked Bradshaw’s highest scoring performance since his 12-point game against North Carolina, while his seven rebounds demonstrated his prowess on the boards, a feat he had not achieved since corralling 11 against Penn.
Throughout the season, Bradshaw has been a consistent contributor for the Wildcats, averaging 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He has achieved double-figure scoring on three occasions and has recorded at least one block in all but one of his six appearances.
Looking ahead, Kentucky will face Missouri on Tuesday on their home court. The game, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, will be broadcasted on ESPN. For the latest updates on the Kentucky men’s basketball team, fans can follow @KentuckyMBB on various social media platforms or visit UKathletics.com.
