Kentucky Pursuing Late-Blooming Wing in 2025 Class.
As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve through a combination of high school recruiting and the transfer portal, the Kentucky Wildcats are maintaining a balanced approach. One of their newest high school targets: Braydon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8 wing with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and growing national recognition.
Originally committed to West Virginia, Hawthorne has become a sought-after name in the 2025 class after parting ways with the Mountaineers following coaching changes. Once considered a mid-major prospect, he now finds himself on the radar of programs like Michigan, Indiana, Kansas State, Virginia, Arizona State, and Marquette. Among the schools showing the most interest: Kentucky.
Kentucky’s First Steps Toward a Potential Fit
Kentucky’s involvement began with a Zoom call in early April, introducing Hawthorne to the Wildcats’ new coaching staff led by Mark Pope. Now, the relationship is gaining traction. Hawthorne is scheduled to take an official visit to Lexington this week, an indication of serious mutual interest.
This isn’t the first time Pope has seen him live. Back in February, during the Court XIV Classic in Kentucky, Hawthorne competed against future Wildcat Jasper Johnson. Pope, seated courtside with Malachi Moreno and Travis Perry, was on hand to watch the matchup, a moment that may have marked the beginning of the Wildcats’ deeper evaluation.
A Prospect Still on the Rise
Hawthorne’s development has been gradual but noticeable. After starting at Woodrow Wilson High School in West Virginia, he transitioned to Huntington Prep, where his game and exposure improved significantly. By fall, he had earned a three-star ranking and committed to West Virginia. However, after Darian DeVries left WVU for Indiana, Hawthorne reopened his recruitment and quickly drew attention from a higher tier of programs.
Currently ranked No. 48 nationally by On3, he’s now a consensus four-star prospect. His profile appeals to programs that prioritize long-term development and positional versatility. Hawthorne has stated he’s looking for a system that offers freedom of movement, decision-making opportunities, and a track record of developing wings like himself.
A Strategic Addition?
For Kentucky, Hawthorne represents a different type of recruit-one whose best basketball may still be ahead. While the Wildcats have already secured top in-state talents Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, Hawthorne offers a contrasting trajectory: less polished, but with a broader margin for growth.
Whether Kentucky ultimately secures his commitment remains to be seen, but the interest is real. With official visits to Michigan and Virginia Tech also in the works, Hawthorne’s recruitment will be one to watch in the coming weeks, especially as Kentucky continues shaping its future roster with both immediacy and potential in mind.
