Amidst wave upon endless wave of overblown, negative recruiting news after Kentucky landed two high-ceiling targets, the Wildcats have finally caught a lucky break in the form of a piece of hopeful talent sticking around. Redshirt freshman Braydon Hawthorne has officially announced his return to Kentucky, per his own Instagram.
On the final day of transfer portal entries and exits, Hawthorne made his decision to return to Lexington - in much-needed fashion - official. But, in a sudden and surprising turn of events, Hawthorne wasn't the only player to pledge to Kentucky today. In fact, he wasn't the only Hawthorne.
Announced barely an hour after Braydon's post, Zyon Hawthorne, was made official as an addition to the 2026-27 roster himself (per UK Sports Network). You can say what you want about the perceived impact of either of these players, but returning one capable wing, and then adding a depth guard in the same fell swoop, is a win.
Zyon Makes Two Hawthornes in Lexington
Braydon, of course, is seemingly set to play a serious role on next year's roster. His redshirt campaign did little to hide the promise of a six-foot-nine (and growing) frame on the wing. Assuming his pre-college scoring abilities are still in-tact - that of a player who can "get his" both from downtown and going downhill - the older Hawthorne should be able to plug in to Mark Pope's offense as he's been expected to all along.
Zyon's eventual place is less sure, on the other hand. Although that makes sense, considering that the noise around him prior to this commitment had little to no hold in the BBN sphere.
Whether or not Zyon ends up in a limited role, or limited to the sideline, depth at point guard is a positive feature that Kentucky fans have no business denying given their struggles in that exact facet last season.
Braydon, though, will have all eyes on his blue and white debut.
All Eyes on Braydon
The pressure put on Braydon should at least be slightly lessened by the return of Kam Williams, and both should combine to form a relatively formidable "three-and-d" rotation for Kentucky on the wing.
However, worries about Hawthorne's physicality are still very much prevalent as watchers wait to see how his game will translate to the SEC. For the time, Cats fans can be happy about a high-upside scorer running it back in Lexington, and even moreso that he's bringing his backcourt brother with him.
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