Soaring Wing Braydon Hawthorne Has Arrived in Lexington
Mark Pope’s offseason momentum shows no signs of slowing down. With the 2025–26 roster continuing to take shape, Kentucky has secured yet another dynamic addition. On Tuesday night, four-star small forward Braydon Hawthorne announced his commitment to the Wildcats, delivering a significant boost to Pope’s ambitious rebuild.
Known for his remarkable 7-foot-3 wingspan, smooth perimeter shooting, and promising upside, the 6-foot-8 wing made his decision public on 247Sports’ YouTube channel, choosing Kentucky over a strong list of contenders that included Duke, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and his previous commitment, West Virginia.
Hawthorne’s commitment brings Pope’s roster count to 14 players—a mix of elite freshmen, experienced transfers, and potential pros like Otega Oweh, who is still weighing his NBA Draft decision. It’s a diverse and calculated collection of talent, and Hawthorne’s addition further solidifies the kind of team Pope is trying to build: long, skilled, and highly coachable athletes who can adapt to multiple roles on both ends of the floor.
A native of Florida, Hawthorne originally pledged to West Virginia back in October 2024. However, a major shake-up within the Mountaineers’ coaching staff in March 2025 led him to reconsider. Once he re-opened his recruitment, schools began lining up again for his commitment—and Pope wasted no time making a compelling pitch. Following official visits to all five of his finalists, Hawthorne’s trip to Lexington in mid-April turned out to be the turning point. The visit left a strong impression on both the player and his family, ultimately leading him to make the call for Kentucky.
“This is a major get for Mark Pope,” said Jamie Shaw, national recruiting analyst for On3. “Hawthorne is a late riser who really came into his own during his senior season. He’s got legitimate wing skills, can create in the half-court, and has a rare blend of length and shooting touch. His upside is huge.”
Indeed, Hawthorne’s growth over the past year has been impressive. Playing at Huntington Prep (WV), one of the nation’s premier basketball academies, he went from a fringe top-100 prospect to one of the more intriguing wings in the 2025 class. His senior year was a breakout campaign, drawing attention for his smooth shooting stroke, defensive potential, and vastly improved decision-making. He’s not yet a finished product—analysts note he still needs to add strength to compete consistently at the college level—but his raw tools and willingness to be coached make him a high-ceiling addition.
That coachability is something Hawthorne’s high school coach, Arkell Bruce, emphasized in recent interviews. Speaking to KSR+ last month, Bruce praised his former player’s attitude as much as his skills. “His ability to shoot the ball is definitely his greatest strength,” Bruce said. “But what stands out to me the most is how coachable he is. He’s a ‘yes-sir, no-sir’ kid. He responds to tough coaching. He wants to be better, and he listens.”
Those traits align perfectly with what Pope is looking for as he reshapes Kentucky basketball in his image. While the program has always been a magnet for top-tier talent, Pope is adding an extra layer of emphasis on character, effort, and adaptability. Hawthorne may not arrive as a day-one starter, but he fits the mold of a player who can develop quickly, contribute sooner than expected, and grow into a reliable force by the time postseason play rolls around.
In a modern college basketball landscape defined by constant roster turnover, recruiting success can no longer be measured solely by five-star rankings or one-and-done hype. Pope understands this. His roster-building strategy is rooted in balance: mixing instant-impact players with developmental prospects, building depth across positions, and fostering team-first attitudes. Hawthorne’s commitment is another example of that approach paying off.
“He might not be a headliner on day one,” a source close to the program noted, “but give him six months in the strength program, let him settle into his role, and you’ll see why they’re so excited about him. He’s got everything you want in a modern wing.”
As Kentucky fans continue to digest the whirlwind of roster moves this offseason, there’s a growing sense of optimism around Pope’s long-term vision. With other key additions like fellow four-star recruits Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, plus the return or arrival of proven veterans and portal gems, the pieces are beginning to form a coherent picture. Pope wants length. He wants skill. But most importantly, he wants guys who buy in.
And for a player like Hawthorne, Kentucky represents more than just a stepping stone to the NBA—it’s a place where he can refine his game under the brightest lights and leave his own mark on a historic program.
Hawthorne’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his defensive reach and quickness, gives Pope flexibility in how he can be used. He could be a situational weapon early in the season, gradually expanding his role as he becomes more comfortable. With his size and wingspan, he can potentially guard multiple positions, contest shots on the perimeter, and help on the glass. Offensively, he brings a clean shooting form that could help open up the floor for Kentucky’s guards to attack.
For now, Hawthorne joins a long list of players eager to embrace the Wildcat way—and the fanbase is more than ready to welcome him. Social media lit up following his commitment announcement, with #BBN fans flooding comment sections with excitement and pride. Highlights of his senior season began circulating, showing off his smooth jumper, fast-break finishes, and ability to play within a team system.
As the 2025–26 season inches closer, the Wildcats look poised to field a team that’s not only deep and talented but united around Pope’s clear vision. The addition of Braydon Hawthorne is another affirmation of that direction. He may have taken an unconventional path to Lexington, but now that he’s here, the potential is unmistakable.
Welcome to Kentucky, Braydon Hawthorne. Big Blue Nation is ready, and the future is wide open—wingspan and all.
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