Braydon Hawthorne Arrives on Campus, Recreates Iconic Picture with Joe B. Hall Statue
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky’s newest basketball commit, Braydon Hawthorne, made his long-anticipated arrival on campus this week — and in true Wildcat fashion, he wasted no time paying tribute to a legend.
Shortly after settling in, Hawthorne visited the Joe B. Hall statue outside the Wildcat Coal Lodge and recreated a well-known photo that has become a rite of passage for Kentucky basketball players. The statue, which depicts Hall holding a basketball and seated on a bench, has become a favorite photo spot for fans and athletes alike.
Hawthorne’s recreation echoed a long-standing tradition: sitting beside the statue with a basketball in hand, just as Hall would have liked it. The moment was captured and shared by UK Athletics on social media, quickly gaining traction among Big Blue Nation.
“It’s surreal to be here,” Hawthorne said. “Growing up watching Kentucky basketball, I always dreamed of putting on this jersey. Sitting next to Coach Hall’s statue makes it all feel real. It’s more than a photo — it’s history.”
Joe B. Hall, who coached the Wildcats from 1972 to 1985 and led them to the 1978 national championship, remains a revered figure in Kentucky sports lore. His statue serves as both a landmark and a symbol of the program’s enduring legacy.
Hawthorne, a 6-foot-6 wing out of Fort Lauderdale, arrives with plenty of hype surrounding his game. Known for his explosive athleticism and two-way potential, he was a top-50 recruit in the class of 2025 and chose Kentucky over offers from Kansas, Alabama, and Florida State. His commitment marked a major recruiting win for head coach Mark Pope in his first full recruiting cycle.
Fans who have followed Hawthorne’s high school career are eager to see how his skills translate to the college level, but it’s clear he already understands the culture he’s stepping into.
“Coach Pope and the staff talk about legacy a lot,” Hawthorne said. “Everything here is built on tradition — Coach Hall, Coach Rupp, all the greats. This is where you come if you want to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
As Hawthorne begins workouts with the team this week, one thing is certain: he’s already made a statement, and it started with a bench, a basketball, and a legend.
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