Kentucky Basketball: Freshman Aaron Bradshaw Undergoes Foot Surgery, Hopes to Return for 2023-24 Season
LEXINGTON, KY – Kentucky Wildcats’ standout freshman, Aaron Bradshaw, has undergone surgery to repair a foot injury, according to head coach John Calipari. The five-star recruit and No. 1 center in the 2023 class suffered a foot fracture, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Sources within the team have verified that Bradshaw opted for surgery shortly after the news of his injury broke. Despite the setback, he remains determined to make a comeback.
Coach Calipari revealed, “He had a choice to make: Do you let it heal or do you do an operation? He waited for a minute to say, ‘Let me see this,’ but at the end of the day, he said, ‘I want an operation because I want to play.’”
Bradshaw is expected to return to the Kentucky campus this weekend wearing a protective walking boot. However, he will not be joining the team for their series of exhibition games in Toronto this July.
When asked about the possibility of Bradshaw missing the start of the 2023-24 season, Coach Calipari expressed optimism, stating, “Not from what the doctors are telling me, but we will not rush him back.”
For the Wildcats, Bradshaw’s absence means relying heavily on sophomore Ugonna Onyenso and super senior transfer Tre Mitchell. Although it presents a challenge for the team’s depth in the frontcourt for the games in Canada, it is reassuring news considering recent speculations about Bradshaw’s future with the Wildcats.
Reports suggested that Bradshaw’s agency, Klutch Sports Group, might influence him to switch to Southern California to play alongside Bronny James. Additionally, questions arose following an unconfirmed undisclosed injury shortly after Bradshaw’s arrival at Kentucky. These factors generated concerns about whether Bradshaw would ever suit up for the Wildcats.
Addressing these concerns, Coach Calipari reiterated Bradshaw’s commitment to Kentucky. He stated, “This kid is so excited about being here and wants to help us win.” The coach also mentioned times when other players missed summer exhibitions but still performed exceptionally well during the season.
In terms of future roster additions, Coach Calipari indicated that he does not anticipate any further signings. Kentucky currently has a roster of seven freshmen, two sophomores, and transfer Tre Mitchell. However, Calipari did acknowledge the possibility of unforeseen developments leading to new recruits.
Calipari emphasized the volatility of the transfer portal, anticipating numerous new additions in August. He explained, “A team thinks that they have guys, but you’re not going to have that guy. They can do it on Aug. 28 and transfer because they graduated.”
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Coach Calipari expressed confidence in the team’s position, stating, “I was never panicked about anything. Where we are, I’m happy about.”
Kentucky fans eagerly await Bradshaw’s return and hope to see him make a significant impact once he recovers from his foot injury.