Top Recruit Braydon Hawthorne Commits Kentucky Men's Basketball

Braydon Hawthorne, a rising five-star basketball prospect ranked around No. 33 nationally in the 2025 class, committed to the University of Kentucky after reopening his recruitment following a coaching change at West Virginia. A lifelong Kentucky fan, Hawthorne was drawn to the Wildcats due to the staff's consistent communication and his strong relationship with head coach Mark Pope. Standing 6-foot-9 with a 7'3" wingspan, Hawthorne offers a unique blend of perimeter skills and length, making him a versatile wing expected to thrive in Kentucky's up-tempo system. Despite the team's already deep roster, Hawthorne is viewed as more than just depth; his potential projects him as a future star, especially by the 2026-27 season. His game has been compared to NBA-level talent such as Brandon Ingram and former Kentucky standout Kevin Knox, highlighting his elite upside. Kentucky's successful recruitment of Hawthorne underlines their ability to attract top-tier talent even amid roster depth, bolstering their status as a title-contending program for 2025-26 and beyond.