On Wednesday, Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler addressed the absence of former five-star Aaron Bradshaw while previewing the Pitt matchup in a media call.
“Currently no update on Aaron” Diebler said. “He is still going through the University process.”
Pitt head coach Jeff Capel also commented on Bradshaw’s status when asked during a press conference on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t sound like he’s going to be there,” Capel said about Bradshaw on Wednesday. “So, we’re anticipating him not being there. If he’s there, then he’s there. We have film of both: with him in the lineup, playing a lot, and the last two games with him not being there, so we’ll be prepared.
“They’re a really good team with Aaron Bradshaw, they’re a really good team without Aaron Bradshaw,” Capel continued. “Other guys for them have stepped up in their front court. They have some older guys in the front court that understand what college basketball is about, and they have older guys in their back court. They’re a really good basketball team playing with a lot of confidence, certainly, they have a great home court, and we’re just excited about the opportunity for our first true road game against a really good team.”
Ohio State announced days ago that the former five-star recruit and Kentucky transfer Bradshaw is not currently participating in team activities.
“Aaron Bradshaw is not currently participating in team activities. The university is following its established process. Due to federal privacy laws, we cannot share further information at this time.”
Bradshaw had started the Buckeyes’ first four games of the season, and scored an average of 7.8 points per game across those four. He was the No. 5 overall prospect in the class of 2023, and the No. 1 overall center in the class. He committed to Kentucky and played one season for John Calipari, starting ten games and averaging just under five points per game there.
Bradshaw missed Ohio State’s game last Friday night against Campbell, a lopsided 104-60 win. John Mobley Jr. and Devin Royal led the way for Diebler’s squad, scoring 23 and 17 points, respectively. Micah Parrish, Meechie Johnson, Bruce Thornton, and Evan Mahaffey all scored in double figures in the win.
The Buckeyes are currently 5-1 on the season with wins over Green Bay, Campbell, Evansville, Youngstown State, and No. 19 Texas. They lost their lone game so far to No. 23 Texas A&M. Ohio State lost to Cincinnati in an exhibition game before the season, 80-62. Pitt also played against Cincinnati before the season began in a secret scrimmage, and the Panthers came out on top with a 71-62 victory.
