Where Are They Now: Ramel Bradley

Ramel Bradley came to Kentucky with a talented group of All-Americans including Rajon Rondo, Joe Crawford and Randolph Morris. Bradley played for Kentucky from 2004 until 2008 under Tubby Smith for three seasons and Billy Gillespie for one. In his 128 games as a Wildcat, Bradley scored a total of 1326 points, which ranks him 28th overall in Kentucky's all-time scoring history. Bradley was named to the First-Team All-SEC in 2008. Bradley's favorite memory from his time at Kentucky comes from his Senior Day defeat over Florida.

After we got the win, embracing the fact that it was going to be my last game in Rupp Arena (was emotional),” Bradley said. “Taking one more look at all the fans cheering and holding up the ‘Roc’ sign.”

After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2008, Bradley went underrated in the NBA Draft that summer. However, he was invited by the New Jersey Nets to play in the NBA Summer League because they liked his efforts he gave in his workouts and other camps he participated in. The Nets did not sign him for the following season. Bradley decided to take his basketball talents overseas and signed with Cedevita Zagreb in Croatia. During his one season in Zagreb, he averaged 15.1 points and 2.4 assists. In June of 2009, Bradley signed with a JDA Dijon, a French Pro-A Team. Bradley played the entire season for Dijon averaging 12 points, 3.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds. In 2010, Bradley left for Israel to sign with Maccabi Ashdod. In his eighteenth game with the team, he injured his knee and missed the rest of season due to season ending surgery. Bradley played in Israel for the next two seasons with Hapoel Jerusalem (2011-12) and Berak Netanya (2012-13) where he became very fond of the Middle East.

“It’s a great feeling walking outside, Israeli kids run up to me and know my name ‘Bradley! Bradley!’” he said. “I’m recognized almost everywhere I go, we’re living our N.B.A. life overseas.”

While playing for Netanya, Bradley volunteered for Netanya Hoops for Kids that organized a retreat for children in a southern city of Israel.

“It was also very humbling knowing that I could help these kids, put a smile on their faces, and keep them happy through ball. It shows it’s not about where you’re from but making the most of the time that you have in the moment.”

Bradley then headed to Turkey where he signed with Turk Telekom. He continued to play in Turkey the following season for Yesilgiresun Belediye where he continues to play today. Bradley averages 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as one of the starting five. Yesilgiresun currently sits in 8th place in the Turkish Second Basketball League with a record of 15-12. Bradley continues to keep a close on the Kentucky basketball team as seen through his Twitter page. He still remains good friends with former teammate, Joe Crawford. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYOETqszbkg[/embed] Ramel "Smooth" Bradley always had a deep love for music, so here one of his songs he produced back in 2010. Not too bad Ramel. https://vimeo.com/14819959 My favorite Ramel Bradley memory comes from when I went to a UK Hoops game against Tennessee back during the Candace Parker days. Ramel was at the game and he signed my shirt and I thought that was the coolest thing in the world as a middle schooler. I still remember the exact shirt he signed and what his signature looks like.