UNC Basketball engaging with former McDonald’s All-American

When it was first reported that John Calipari was set to leave Kentucky, we named four current Wildcats who would be potential fits for the UNC basketball program if they elected to enter the transfer portal.

Aaron Bradshaw was at the top of that list, as the seven-footer recently entered his name in the transfer portal, and thus, has been in contact with the UNC basketball program.

Inside Carolina reported that the UNC basketball program’s coaching staff has had multiple conversations with the former McDonald’s All-American, as he’s one of a handful notable big men who the Tar Heels have contacted thus far.

A Rahway, New Jersey native, Bradshaw made 10 starts for the Wildcats this season, averaging 4.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.7 blocks in 26 total games. It’s important to note that a foot injury forced him to miss the offseason as well as Kentucky’s first seven games, as his transition to the college level was impacted by the injury.

Although he’s listed on the outside of the top 30 transfers list by 247Sports, this is a guy who was a top-five recruit in the Class of 2023. The talent and the potential are there: it will be important for him to find the right fit this offseason.

With a huge hole at the center position following the departure of Armando Bacot, the UNC basketball program could be that right fit, as he could immediately make an impact on the team’s frontcourt. His size and athleticism would also allow him to thrive defensively, as not only is he a strong shot blocker but has the ability to move and defend around the court.

There are quite a few options for the UNC basketball program to explore, but Bradshaw is a guy who should be close to (if not at) the top of the Tar Heels offseason list.