Braydon Hawthorne, one of the most intriguing names in the transfer portal, is currently on Duke’s campus for a highly anticipated visit. The talented guard, who recently received his release from West Virginia following the departure of head coach Darian DeVries, has quickly become one of the most sought-after prospects in the portal. With his skill set and experience, it’s no surprise that multiple high-major programs are pulling out all the stops to secure his commitment.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff are hosting Hawthorne this weekend, hoping to add a versatile piece to a roster that’s still very much under construction. With several players testing the NBA Draft waters and others already committed to leaving, landing a player of Hawthorne’s caliber could provide both a stabilizing force and immediate impact in the backcourt.
But the Blue Devils are not alone in their pursuit. Two ACC rivals—Virginia Tech and Pitt—are also heavily in the mix for Hawthorne’s services. Interestingly, both programs have recently made coaching hires that appear to be directly tied to their efforts to land him. Virginia Tech brought in Chester Frazier, while Pitt added Jay Kuntz to its staff—both of whom were previously at West Virginia and were instrumental in Hawthorne’s recruitment under DeVries.
Chester Frazier served as an assistant coach under DeVries at West Virginia, while Jay Kuntz was the program’s Director of Recruiting. Their relationships with Hawthorne run deep, and it’s likely no coincidence that both were hired shortly after his name hit the transfer portal. This strategic move by Virginia Tech and Pitt adds an extra layer of intrigue and urgency to the recruitment battle.
For Hawthorne, familiarity and trust are key. His initial commitment to West Virginia was built largely on relationships, and now those same connections are surfacing at competing programs. The moves by Tech and Pitt to reunite with key figures from his recruitment signal just how valuable Hawthorne is viewed across the conference.
Meanwhile, Kentucky is lurking as a major threat. The Wildcats, under new leadership and facing their own roster overhaul, have expressed strong interest in Hawthorne. As one of the premier programs in college basketball, Kentucky brings national prestige and the allure of immediate exposure. Their involvement significantly raises the stakes and makes this recruitment one to watch closely.
Duke’s pitch may center around opportunity and development. With several backcourt minutes potentially opening up due to NBA departures, the Blue Devils can offer Hawthorne a prominent role on a nationally televised stage. Additionally, Scheyer’s growing track record with guards and the program’s elite infrastructure could be major selling points.
Still, the competition is fierce, and each school involved brings a compelling argument. Virginia Tech and Pitt are offering continuity and trust; Kentucky offers a massive platform; and Duke offers tradition and exposure at the highest level. The decision may ultimately come down to where Hawthorne sees the clearest path to growth and success.
As the visit unfolds, all eyes in Durham are on Hawthorne. His commitment could be a defining moment in Duke’s offseason and a pivotal addition to a roster full of question marks. Whether the Blue Devils can close the deal remains to be seen, but this weekend’s visit could prove crucial in tipping the scales.
With so many moving parts and a race that includes deep-rooted relationships, this recruitment is far from over. Stay tuned, as Braydon Hawthorne’s decision could send shockwaves across the ACC—and beyond.
