News Summary

Kentucky basketball has added high school senior Braydon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8 small forward from West Virginia, to its roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season. After a turbulent recruitment journey, Hawthorne officially committed to the Wildcats during a live-streamed ceremony. He is ranked as a top prospect and brings impressive skills and physical attributes, including a 7-foot-3 wingspan. His addition marks a significant step in Kentucky’s strategy to build a competitive team for the next season, among returning players and college transfers.

Exciting Times for Kentucky Basketball With New Commitment

Lexington is buzzing with excitement as Kentucky basketball has just added a promising name to its roster for the 2025-26 season. High school senior Braydon Hawthorne, a talented 6-foot-8 small forward from West Virginia, has officially committed to the Wildcats after a live-streamed ceremony on YouTube with a well-known recruiting service. This announcement not only adds depth to the team’s lineup but also highlights Kentucky’s ongoing efforts to assemble a powerhouse squad.

A Bumpy Road to Commitment

Hawthorne’s journey to Kentucky has been quite the rollercoaster. Initially committed to play closer to home at West Virginia, he found himself reconsidering his options following the departure of former head coach Darian DeVries to Indiana. After decommitting, the four-star recruit took his time exploring other options before eventually zeroing in on Kentucky. His visit to the university in April solidified his decision.

Rising Star Status

Ranked as the No. 101 overall prospect in the nationally recognized 2025 recruiting class by the 247Sports Composite, Hawthorne has made a name for himself as one of the biggest risers in high school recruiting this season. His impressive performance and versatility on the court have caught the attention of many top programs, including Duke, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and his former commitment, West Virginia.

Strong Relationships and Prioritization

One of the key factors in Hawthorne’s decision to join the Wildcats was the strong relationship he cultivated with the coaching staff, especially with assistant coach Jason Hart. The connection he established made Kentucky feel like home. It’s clear that the Wildcats prioritized him during his recruitment, emphasizing their belief in his potential.

Skills and Physical Attributes

Hawthorne’s impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan and his time spent playing prep basketball at Huntington Prep certainly enhance his profile as a player capable of making significant contributions in multiple positions on the court. His versatility and commitment to hard work are sure to play a crucial role as he transitions to college-level basketball.

Building a Competitive Roster

With Hawthorne’s commitment, he becomes the 14th scholarship player on Coach Mark Pope’s roster for what is expected to be an exciting season for the Wildcats. Currently, Kentucky has four projected returnees from last year’s team, including Collin Chandler, Trent Noah, Brandon Garrison, and Otega Oweh, who is currently testing the NBA draft waters. However, the team also faces a few gaps due to the transfer portal, having lost players like Kerr Kriisa and Travis Perry.

A Comprehensive Strategy

Kentucky’s recruitment strategy isn’t just about bringing in new high school talents like Hawthorne. The Wildcats have signed six experienced college transfers and three incoming high school recruits, which include Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno, and Croatian prospect Andrija Jelavic. This strategy positions Kentucky as a national contender, aiming for a top-10 ranking in high school recruiting for 2025, currently sitting at 11th according to the latest updates.

Looking Ahead

Furthermore, the Wildcats boast the fourth-best transfer portal class nationally, demonstrating their commitment to building a competitive team. Hawthorne’s commitment signals a promising future for Kentucky basketball as the program looks to bounce back and build on last season’s Sweet 16 performance, attracting top talent along the way.

The deadline for players like Oweh to withdraw from the NBA draft and maintain NCAA eligibility is looming on May 28. With the buzz surrounding Kentucky and the ongoing recruitment efforts, fans can expect an exhilarating season ahead.

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