Bradshaw: Kentucky Bigs Play Selfless Basketball. "We all love each other"

by:Nick Roush•03/03/24•

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Kentucky started the season with 21 feet of post players on the bench. Now they are all healthy and available, but it’s difficult to discern who’s going to star during any given game. There is competition between the three players, but no love lost.

For a time, the center spot was Ugonna Onyenso‘s. He had 13 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 blocked shots against Florida. He set a Rupp arena record with 10 blocked shots against Ole Miss, then grabbed 11 boards on the road at Auburn.

Over the last three games, Zvonimir Ivisic has stolen the spotlight. He had 18 points and four blocked shots in 20 minutes in the win over Alabama. His defense was stellar in Starkville and Saturday afternoon he was a rebound away from his first career double-double.

Once a starter, Aaron Bradshaw felt like he was becoming an afterthought. Then he had a couple of nice dunks at Mississippi State and made even more highlights at Rupp. He scored 15 points, and knocked down a three-pointer, in only 12 minutes of action in the win over Arkansas. After the game, the Camden native just wanted to talk about his teammates.

“I’m proud of my boy (Big Z), proud of him because just like me, we’re both dealing with the same thing. Seeing him get that block and push the ball, man, I just love it,” said Bradshaw.

That’s not how many five-star players talk. Once considered the top-ranked player in his class, Bradshaw could’ve focused on his struggles after getting shuffled down the bench. Instead, he has shown wisdom beyond his years.

“If he’s playing better than me, I have to realize that he’s playing better. It’s not his fault, it’s my fault. Him playing better than me or Ugo playing better than me, it’s not — that’s selfish, you feel me? If they got it going, they got it going.”

I wish I could double-bold that quote. That’s accountability. You love to see it.

Kentucky’s three seven-footers each bring something different to the table. With a week left in the season, Big Z appears to be the best option, but that could quickly change. One thing is clear: these guys are playing for each other.

“It’s really unique because a lot of other schools or players, they hate on each other,” said Bradshaw. “Us, we don’t do that. We all love each other.”