BOOM: 5-Star Sensation Braydon Hawthorne Commits to Kentucky — 6’8” Wing with 7’3” Wingspan Flips Script, Becomes Wildcats’ Game-Changer for 2025
In a major recruiting victory that is sending shockwaves throughout college basketball, Braydon Hawthorne, the No. 35 overall recruit in the class of 2025 per On3, has officially committed to the University of Kentucky. The 6-foot-8 small forward, known for his elite athleticism, dynamic versatility, and astounding 7-foot-3 wingspan, made the announcement Tuesday evening via his social media platforms, instantly energizing Big Blue Nation.
Hawthorne, a former West Virginia signee who reopened his recruitment following coaching changes and internal program shifts, was one of the most sought-after uncommitted prospects remaining in the 2025 cycle. After final visits and interest from top-tier programs including Duke, Alabama, and Kansas, the high-upside wing has opted to don the Kentucky blue — a massive win for head coach Mark Pope and his rapidly emerging new-era Wildcats.
“I’ve found my home,” Hawthorne said in his announcement post. “Kentucky is where I want to grow, win, and build something special. The culture, the fans, the vision — it’s everything I’ve dreamed of.”
A Blueprint for the Future
Hawthorne’s commitment is monumental for Kentucky’s 2025 class. His combination of length, defensive instincts, and offensive upside has scouts and analysts drawing comparisons to NBA-level wings. He thrives in transition, attacks the rim with explosiveness, and has shown continued improvement in his perimeter shooting and playmaking. At 6’8”, with the wingspan of a center, he brings a rare combination of size and agility that fits perfectly in Kentucky’s fast-paced, positionless style under Coach Pope.
“We’re getting a special one,” Pope said in a statement shortly after the news broke. “Braydon is a winner. He’s the type of player who can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, and change the game on both ends. But even more importantly, he’s a young man of character who wants to be great.”
From Underdog to Top Dog
A native of Philadelphia, Hawthorne’s rise up the recruiting ranks has been steady and well-earned. He first turned heads on the Nike EYBL circuit with his defensive prowess and relentless motor. After a stellar junior season that saw him average 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, he skyrocketed into the national top 40 and became a priority target for elite programs nationwide.
His decision to reopen his recruitment after committing to West Virginia shocked many, but it ultimately paved the way for a second chapter — one that now leads him to Lexington, where the expectations will be high, but so will the opportunity.
What’s Next?
With Hawthorne now in the fold, Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class takes a giant leap forward, both in talent and in national perception. As the Wildcats continue to reload under Mark Pope’s leadership, Hawthorne’s commitment could serve as a domino effect for other top prospects considering UK.
Fans can expect Hawthorne to make an immediate impact when he arrives on campus — both as a defensive anchor on the perimeter and as a high-energy scorer. And if his development continues on the current trajectory, the NBA
may not be far behind.
