UNC Basketball: Former Five-Star Prep Reports Tar Heel Interest

UNC basketball’s 2024 recruiting class is set in stone, but a former five-star prospect could be set to join the newcomers next season.

UNC basketball transfer target Aaron Bradshaw / Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY

UNC basketball is set to welcome two five-star prospects to Chapel Hill next season with the arrival of Ian Jackson and Drake Powell. Even so, they may not be the only five-stars to don a Tar Heel uniform for the first time next season.

RELATED: Top-Ranked Transfer Plans to Visit Tar Heels Soon

On Thursday, 247Sports' Sherrell McMillan reported that the UNC basketball coaches have been in contact with former 2023 five-star prospect Aaron Bradshaw, who entered his name in the transfer portal earlier this week.

Bradshaw, who measures at 7-foot-1, 226 pounds, ranked as the No. 5 recruit on the 247Sports 2023 Composite. After playing his freshman season at Kentucky, he entered his name in the transfer portal after the news leaked of John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas.

After missing the beginning of the season due to a foot injury, Bradshaw played sparingly for the Wildcats during his freshman campaign. In 26 games, the 20-year-old tallied 4.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per outing, averaging only 13.8 minutes of game time. He currently ranks as the No. 34 prospect on the 247Sports transfer portal rankings.

7’1 Kentucky Freshman Aaron Bradshaw made his College Debut today vs Penn..

17 PTS (7-12 FG, 1-2 3PT)
11 REBS
3 BLKS

How we feeling bout his debut, we like what we see so far? pic.twitter.com/kYYuEtUQEE

— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) December 9, 2023

When facing the Tar Heels back in Kentucky’s 87-83 victory over UNC in December, Bradshaw produced 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals while finishing 4-of-6 from the field. 

Although the numbers don’t pop off the page, Bradshaw’s ceiling remains high as a lengthy 7-footer who can space the floor on offense while also being able to protect the rim on the defensive end.

Aaron Bradshaw has also entered his name into the NBA Draft but has maintained his college eligibility while being in the transfer portal. If brought to Chapel Hill, he could pair nicely with rising junior Jalen Washington at the center position next season.

RELATED: UNC Loses Junior Big Man James Okonkwo to Transfer Portal

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more UNC basketball news.