Lexington, Kentucky – Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari announced the addition of five talented student-athletes to the program’s 2023 signing class on Monday. Aaron Bradshaw, Robert Dillingham, Justin Edwards, Reed Sheppard, and D.J. Wagner all signed national letters of intent with the UK during the fall signing period.
“I couldn’t be more delighted about this class,” Calipari stated. “We have five skilled and dynamic athletes with the drive and commitment necessary to succeed at Kentucky. They are all aware that this is not for everyone, and they have accepted the challenge of being pushed not just by our coaching staff, but also by other extremely talented players on a daily basis. Their potential to be great exists; it is now up to them to embrace it.
stage and arrive every day prepared to work. All five of these men are winners. They have triumphed at the highest levels and understand how to influence winning in a variety of ways. This is a bunch that the Big Blue Nation will want to root for.”
The Wildcats have signed a top-three recruiting class in all but one season under Calipari, according to the Recruiting Services Consensus Index, which tallies key recruiting rankings and feeds them into a formula to generate a consensus ranking. With the additions, Kentucky currently has 72 top-50 prospects, 57 top-25 players, and 33 top-10 players (according to Rivals) in 15 recruiting classes under Calipari.
Coach Cal: “The ability to block shots is the most important characteristic we can have on the defensive end, and Aaron is an expert at it. He also possesses all of the tools that a versatile big in today’s game need. Aaron’s motor is improving, and he has excellent size and movement. As a 7-footer, he has the ability to impact the game from both sides of the court. He has a high ceiling and has merely scratched the surface of his potential as a player.”
Coach Cal: “Our finest teams have had excellent guards, and this class has them. Rob can make solid judgments, create for others, and get his own shot. He can make contested layups, which opens up the court for offensive opportunities. He is a highly efficient scorer, but I’m encouraged about Rob’s desire to be pushed by other really excellent guards on our roster and to continue developing his versatility by playing with or without the ball.”
Coach Cal: “I know Reed has dreamed of playing for Kentucky since he was a child.” However, Reed isn’t here because he wanted to be. He’s here because he’s a talented player who can help this club win. He has excellent foundations and can perform well both on and off the ball. I admire his work ethic and the fact that he wants to be challenged on the highest platforms to attain his full potential.”
Why Kentucky? (In his ESPN announcement): “Coach John Calipari was extremely direct and honest with me. He stated that he would accompany me until the wheels fell off the automobile, regardless. And that meant a lot to me. I am coming there to win. “Winning comes first for me, and I want to help Kentucky win as much as possible.”
Coach Cal: “I’ve known D.J. throughout his entire childhood and have always wanted to coach him.” Above all, he’s a competitor. He attacks the offensive end and is a diverse scorer, but he is also a formidable defender. I love the passion he’ll bring to practice every day, and I appreciate that he chose to be at Kentucky. He understands that to get
