SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – Kentucky freshman Aaron Bradshaw was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s preseason watch list for the 2024 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Friday. Named after the Naismith Hall of Famer and NBA all-time scoring leader, the award is in its 10th year.
Bradshaw was ranked as high as No. 2 in the 2023 class rankings and was a McDonald’s All-American and Iverson Classic selection. A native of Roselle, New Jersey, Bradshaw averaged 12.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a senior at Camden High School. As a junior, Bradshaw helped Camden to the NJSIAA Group 2 state championship, averaging 8.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per contest.
Bradshaw was selected as one of 20 candidates as the best center in college basketball after D.J. Wagner was named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list, Antonio Reeves was selected to the Jerry West Award watch list and Justin Edwards was named to the Julius Erving Award watch list earlier this week. Kentucky has had one player in program history earn the distinguished honor when Oscar Tshiebwe won the award in 2022. Other SEC candidates on the 2023-24 preseason list Jamarian Sharp of Ole Miss and Johni Broome of Auburn.
Fans are encouraged to participate in voting in each of the three rounds for the Naismith awards. In late January, all of the lists will be narrowed down to 10 players and five in February. Winners will be announced at a to be determined date.
The Cats will play exhibition contests against Georgetown College tonight and Kentucky State on Nov. 2 at Rupp Arena. Kentucky’s regular season begins at home against New Mexico State on Nov. 6 with an 8 p.m. ET tip.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s basketball team, follow @KentuckyMBB on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
