Kentucky basketball’s recruiting momentum continues to surge as Mark Pope secures another high-profile commitment. Braydon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-9 wing with extraordinary length and guard skills, brings elite physical tools and tremendous upside to the Wildcats’ already impressive 2025 class.
The four-star prospect ranks between No. 33-35 nationally and chose Kentucky over Duke, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia. Hawthorne’s commitment gives Pope a versatile player who embodies his vision of modern basketball and is capable of playing multiple positions in an up-tempo system.
Braydon Hawthorne’s Kentucky Decision: ‘This Means Everything to Me’
Paul Biancardi of ESPN broke the news on social media this morning, sharing Hawthorne’s commitment announcement. “I have a great relationship with Coach Pope and the staff. We have had many conversations about basketball and life. I have been a lifelong Kentucky fan. This means everything to me,” Hawthorne told ESPN.
Recruiting News: Braydon Hawthorne tells ESPN he has committed to Mark Pope and Kentucky.
“I have a great relationship with Coach Pope and the staff. We have had many conversations about basketball and life. I have been a lifelong Kentucky fan. This means everything to me,”… pic.twitter.com/pJONGl8atB
— Paul Biancardi (@PaulBiancardi) May 20, 2025
The commitment represents a significant victory for Pope, who has managed to land one of the last available top-40 recruits in the 2025 class. Hawthorne, a former West Virginia signee who reopened his recruitment this spring, brings his considerable 7’3″ wingspan and high-upside potential to Lexington, Ky.
The Perfect Fit: Late Bloomer With Elite Physical Tools
Hawthorne’s development path makes him particularly intriguing. He began his high school career as a guard at Woodrow Wilson High School in West Virginia before experiencing a dramatic growth spurt over the past two years, allowing him to retain perimeter skills while adding elite length and athleticism.
His game draws comparisons to former NBA All-Star Brandon Ingram and former Kentucky standout Kevin Knox. While considered slender at 185 pounds, Hawthorne’s movement, shooting touch, and ability to create his own shots make him a prototype for the modern wing position.
According to Travis Branham of 247Sports, “The four-star forward has size, tremendous length and a very versatile skillset with a tough and competitive mindset.” This season, Hawthorne averaged 13.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, earning MVP honors at the Dr. Pepper Classic.
According to his high school coach, Hawthorne’s greatest strength is his shooting, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. Despite needing to add strength to handle SEC physicality, his footwork and ability to create off the dribble against slower forwards make him an ideal fit for Pope’s up-tempo system.
NEWS: 4⭐️ Braydon Hawthorne, On3’s No. 35 overall recruit in the 2025 class, has committed to Kentucky, he announced.
The 6-8 Small Forward is a high-upside prospect with a 7-3 wingspan. Former West Virginia signee. https://t.co/ShfLkgUHgJ pic.twitter.com/2nyc3dMY0G
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 20, 2025
Though he may not make an immediate impact as a freshman, Hawthorne’s addition brings Kentucky’s scholarship count to 14 players and positions the team as one of the most complete rosters in college basketball.
He joins an impressive 2025 recruiting class that includes four-star guard Jasper Johnson, four-star center Malachi Moreno, and top European prospect Andrija Jelavić, complementing elite transfer Jayden Quaintance, a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
His commitment perfectly aligns with Pope’s strategic blend of experienced transfers and high upside recruits.
Kentucky’s newest addition further validates Pope’s vision for rebuilding the program. By securing a player with developmental potential, Pope continues to demonstrate his ability to attract elite talent even after the coaching transition. Hawthorne’s commitment is as much about the future as it is about immediate impact.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
