‘I was at home.’ Bradshaw, Wagner bring the Camden High School show to UK basketball fans.

All was how it was envisioned to be Friday night.

A packed gymnasium in the heart of Kentucky. John Calipari and Kenny Payne seated courtside. Aaron Bradshaw and DJ Wagner taking turns displaying the array of basketball skills that made them among the most sought-after high school seniors in the country.

A pair of college basketball recruitments that were largely framed as Kentucky vs. Louisville had their full-circle moments Friday night, with Bradshaw and Wagner playing with their Camden High School (New Jersey) team in Frankfort against Combine Academy (North Carolina) as part of a high school basketball tripleheader that was billed by promoters as The Kentucky Preview.

That name gives away the fact that Friday — from a UK perspective — could be solely enjoyed as a night of celebration, instead of a final recruiting hurdle to climb in the pursuit of both players.

Bradshaw and Wagner have long been UK commits and signees. They will be Wildcats next season, and the presence of Calipari — and several members of this season’s Kentucky team — courtside were not final recruiting pitches, but rather good-faith gestures aimed at fostering a friendly atmosphere for the newest members of La Familia.

The fact that the incoming UK duo — along with a new player on the Kentucky recruiting radar — dominated the game simply served as icing on the cake.

Bradshaw, Wagner and Billy Richmond — a class of 2024 shooting guard who recently earned a Kentucky offer — were the main catalysts in Camden’s 80-57 comprehensive win over Combine Academy.

“I just wanted to play hard in front of (UK fans), because they didn’t have to come out,” Bradshaw said postgame. “They decided to come out and watch me and DJ and my team play, so that’s just an honor.”

The Panthers raced out to a 24-9 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, which gave those in attendance and on the court plenty of time to enjoy the event for what it was meant to be: An advanced look at what Bradshaw and Wagner will offer Kentucky next season.

Kentucky fans, both those still concerned about the trajectory of the 2022-23 season and those encouraged by what this season’s team could still achieve, found common ground Friday night: In-person confirmation that both Bradshaw and Wagner are the real deal.

Bradshaw lived above the rim during the game and found great success both rebounding the ball and finishing inside. His 7-foot frame allowed him to dominate against Combine Academy and finish with 21 points.

At one point, Bradshaw even made a three-pointer from the top of the key, evidence of his expanded offensive profile.

Wagner remained a dynamic offensive presence and found ways to drive to the basket and either finish through contact or kick the ball out to an open shooter, of which Camden had plenty.

Wagner scored 18 points and, unsurprisingly, received the loudest cheers throughout the night.

“It was fun, it was a great experience. I’m just very appreciative of (UK fans) coming out and supporting us,” Wagner said. “I know how passionate the fans are. I kind of expected them to come out and show a lot of love today.”

“It felt like I was at Rupp Arena,” Bradshaw added. “I felt like I was at home, so it was a good feeling.”

Richmond was also impressive for Camden, especially when displaying his ability to dunk the ball and finish with style at the rim. He had 15 points.

Earlier this week, Richmond took an unofficial visit to UK.

Louisville travels to watch 2024 small forward Trentyn Flowers

While there was no recruiting drama Friday night in terms of Bradshaw and Wagner, it was clear why Payne, assistant coach Nolan Smith and other Louisville men’s basketball staffers were in the gym.

Class of 2024 small forward Trentyn Flowers has U of L among his final five schools, along with Arkansas, Alabama, Creighton and North Carolina.

The Cardinals came out in force to watch Flowers on Friday night. He finished with 15 points for Combine Academy.

Louisville has also extended a scholarship offer to Richmond.

Both Flowers and Richmond took unofficial visits to Louisville on Saturday for the Cardinals’ home game against Florida State.