Multiple Kentucky targets earn accolades from Nike EYBL in Louisville

The Big Blue Nation made sure to show out at the Nike EYBL event in Louisville last weekend, and they did not leave disappointed with what they saw. A slew of major Kentucky Men’s Basketball recruiting targets were in attendance, dazzling and exciting the fans throughout the three-day event. They did more than just play well, though — the majority of them performed at a very high level.

The folks over at The Circuit certainly agreed. The organization’s scouts released their All-Circuit Teams from the third EYBL session of the summer, where eight notable Kentucky targets earned at least one accolade for their impressive play.

Here’s who made the list of top performers.

Aaron Bradshaw: Defensive MVP; All Defensive Team; First Team
STATISTICS: 15.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.8 BPG

It was another major breakout weekend for Aaron Bradshaw, who continues to prove he is well worth a top 20 ranking and maybe even a potential fifth star. Playing alongside DJ Wagner and Mackenzie Mgbako on the New Jersey Scholars surely helps his individual play, but he thrives in the role and it’s similar to what he would likely play at the next level. Bradshaw was the top defensive player in Louisville, especially around the rim. He averaged 1.4 steals and 2.8 blocks over the weekend.

Milan Momcilovic: First Team
STATISTICS: 23.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.6 SPG

Possibly the top pure scorer in the class, Milan Momcilovic was dominant again shooting the ball for Team Herro. He poured in at least 22 points in his final four outings, including a 30-point outburst against Brad Beal Elite. It’s still yet to be seen if Kentucky will go all-in and offer Momcilovic a scholarship, but he sure can put the ball in the bucket.

DJ Wagner: First Team
STATISTICS: 19.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.4 SPG

It’s no shock to see DJ Wagner crack the First Team. He’s more than solidified his rank as a top-two player in the class and continues to look like an elite shot creator. The Louisville buzz was alive and well all event long, with fans and former Cardinals players alike constantly surrounding Wager, but the added celebrity status didn’t deter his play on the floor.

Robert Dillingham: Second Team
STATISTICS: 22.4 PPG (44.8 3PT%), 1.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.0 SPG

The talk of the town for the BBN was Robert Dillingham, who appears to be on the brink of a commitment to the ‘Cats. He started the weekend off with a bang, dropping 27 and 28 points in back-to-back performances. Through all five games, he shot an impressive 56.3 percent overall and 44.8 percent from distance on nearly eight attempts per game — just silly numbers and a nice improvement from early in the season.

Justin Edwards: Second Team
STATISTICS: 13.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG

Tennessee has taken the charge in Justin Edwards recruitment, but Kentucky is still in the mix. He was actually named the Defensive MVP during the second EYBL session in Indianapolis and was stout on that end of the floor once again in Louisville. Outside of a 26-point outing against BABC, Edwards wasn’t a constant offensive threat, but he did more than enough on both ends to warrant a Second Team selection.

Matas Buzelis: Second Team
STATISTICS: 13.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.4 APG

Not long after the weekend of hoops came to a close, Matas Buzelis included Kentucky among his top five, along with North Carolina, Florida State, Wake Forest, and the G League. The ‘Cats and Tar Heels are in a solid position heading into the summer. And considering he had yet another impressive showing in the third session, it’s no wonder he’s being recruited heavily by a pair of Blue Bloods. Buzelis is simply a unique prospect — one that John Calipari has not coached before while at UK.

Nassir Cunningham: All Underclassman (’24)

Coming off the bench for the NY Rens, Naasir Cunningham scored in double-figures in four of the five games he played. Considered the top overall class of 2024 prospect by On3, the lanky 6-foot-7 wing looked far more comfortable than he has in previous sessions. Cunningham shot at least 44 percent or better from the field in four games in Louisville — he had four total across his previous eight contests.

Tre Johnson: All Underclassman (’24)

Even though he’s a class of 2024 recruit, you wouldn’t know it when watching Tre Johnson play. He closed out his weekend in Lousiville with back-to-back games of 24 and 23 points. Johnson will absolutely fit for the top spot in this class. He’s been impressive in every EYBL event so far this year and is hearing heavily from the ‘Cats.

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We should also mention a local product who had himself an impressive weekend. George Washington III was tabbed to the Third Team after posting averages of 12.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for All Ohio Red. The 6-foot-2 combo guard is currently committed to Ohio State and previously played his entire high school career at the Christian Academy of Louisville, however, he will spend his senior season playing in Dayton before making the move to Columbus.