In a move that electrified the college basketball world, Braydon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8 wing from Beckley, West Virginia, officially committed to the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team for the 2025–26 season. Hawthorne, a consensus four-star prospect, is ranked No. 33 nationally by 247Sports and No. 81 by ESPN. He played his senior year at Huntington Expression Prep, averaging 23.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game .
Hawthorne’s journey to Kentucky was marked by resilience and determination. Initially committed to West Virginia, he reopened his recruitment after a coaching change and ultimately chose Kentucky over programs like Duke, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech .
Coach Mark Pope praised Hawthorne’s rapid development, strong work ethic, and academic excellence, highlighting his desire to compete and improve as key attributes aligning with the program’s culture .
Hawthorne’s commitment adds significant depth to Kentucky’s already impressive roster, joining other top recruits like Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno . His versatility and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset as the Wildcats aim for a deep NCAA tournament run.
For Hawthorne, donning the Kentucky jersey is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, symbolizing his journey from a young fan to a key player in one of college basketball’s most storied programs .
