Major Haul: Braydon Hawthorne Commits to Mark Pope and Kentucky Wildcats, Bolstering 2025 Class
LEXINGTON, KY – Mark Pope’s relentless pursuit of talent for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program has landed another significant piece, as highly-touted small forward Braydon Hawthorne officially committed to the Wildcats today. This commitment marks a substantial victory for Pope in his ongoing roster reconstruction, securing one of the top remaining uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class.
Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8 small forward from Huntington Prep in West Virginia, was a highly sought-after recruit, garnering interest from a host of high-major programs including Duke, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and his former commitment, West Virginia. His decision to join the Wildcats speaks volumes about the vision and personal approach of Coach Mark Pope.
“I feel like I have the best relationship out of all the schools with Coach (Mark) Pope,” Hawthorne stated, according to 247Sports. “He calls me and texts me more than anybody I have ever talked to in the past, since he has been recruiting me.” This emphasis on personal connection appears to have been a crucial factor in swaying Hawthorne to Lexington.
Hawthorne’s commitment is particularly impactful given his recent rise in the national recruiting rankings. He has been described as one of the “biggest risers” in the 2025 class, climbing from outside the Top 150 to now being ranked as high as No. 33 overall by 247Sports. His impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan, combined with his versatile skillset – including floor stretching, off-the-dribble scoring, passing, and multi-positional defense – makes him an intriguing prospect with high upside. While his frame is still developing at 175 pounds, his competitive edge and high basketball IQ have consistently impressed scouts.
This commitment further solidifies Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class, adding another promising piece to a roster that Mark Pope is actively molding. The Wildcats have been aggressive in the transfer portal, building a deep and talented team. Hawthorne’s addition as a high school prospect signals Pope’s commitment to both immediate impact and long-term player development.
For the Kentucky faithful, Hawthorne’s pledge represents another reason for optimism under the new coaching regime. His talent, coupled with Pope’s renowned player development philosophy, could see him evolve into a significant contributor for the Wildcats in the years to come, potentially even aiding in the pursuit of the program’s elusive ninth national cham
