Aaron Bradshaw had a Game Full of Favorite Moments in UK Win

Aaron Bradshaw (Vicky Graff Photo)

It was almost like a dream come true for Aaron Bradshaw on his unofficial homecoming to Philadelphia Saturday.

Kentucky beat Penn 81-66 at the Wells Fargo Center, the home of the Philadelphia 76ers which is just across the river from Bradshaw’s hometown of Camden, N.J.

The Kentucky freshman had 17 points, 11 rebounds (five offensive), three blocks and one steal in a surprisingly-high 29 minutes of play but did not have a turnover even though it was only his second game this season due to an ankle injury suffered in late March.

So what was Bradshaw’s favorite moment in his first extended playing time of the season.

“All of them. Everything was my favorite moment from scoring to rebounding to playing with my team,” the freshman 7-footer said.

What a great answer but it’s easy to believe he meant it. Bradshaw said Calipari and his staff kept me level headed during his long rehab but so did his teammates.

“When I needed to talk to them they always had great advice,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw showed off his unique skill set, including making his first collegiate 3-pointers. But his biggest impact will be on defense where his length and size combined with his athleticism give coach John Calipari a true rim protector.

“To have someone that protects the rim and is that skilled, I think it takes their program to another level,” Penn head coach Steve Donahue said. “His presence was a big difference.”

Bradshaw had three points and two rebounds in 13 minutes in his collegiate debut a week earlier in a loss to UNC-Wilmington in Rupp Arena. Saturday’s game left him feeling a lot better.

“It was a surreal feeling to be back home in front of my family, especially with my brothers, playing with this team,” Bradshaw said. “I was just having fun out there.”

Calipari knew he played Bradshaw more than he originally planned but without his presence UK might not have won.

“Somebody told me to sub him and I’m like ‘Are you out of your mind? Are you watching this?’” Calipari said. “But he needed to come out some and also, you know who rebounded better with him in the game? (Tre Mitchell) Because Tre’s now not having to beat down — he lets Aaron do that.”

Mitchell had nine rebounds, all of the defensive end, along with four assists in his team-high 36 minutes and didn’t have to spend as much time in the paint as he had in UK’s first eight games.

“Aaron, before the last game he practiced one day and then played,” Calipari said. “Today he did some stuff. How about block a shot? Now you drive and he might be in there.”

Calipari said Bradshaw’s presence made UK’s defense better because of his length alone.

“He threw the ball ahead (in transition). I am going to put him in pick and roll, something I have not done. He wants to pop because he thinks he can shoot a 3,” Calipari said. “This is going to be interesting figuring this out.”

Guard D.J. Wagner also played high school basketball with Bradshaw. He was not surprised by what Bradshaw did.

“It was great to see how he played. We were all happy. How hard he plays makes it easier for all of us,” Wagner said.