Big Blue Nation, get ready to roll out the blue carpet! Braydon Hawthorne, a dynamic four-star small forward from the class of 2025, is set to take an official visit to the University of Kentucky this Wednesday, April 16, according to his father in a statement to 247Sports.
Fresh off a visit with West Virginia’s new coaching staff, the 6-foot-8 wing is one of the hottest names in recruiting—and Kentucky fans are buzzing with excitement about the possibility of adding him to the Wildcats’ roster. With his size, versatility, and competitive edge, could Hawthorne be the next big piece for Coach Mark Pope’s vision?
Who Is Braydon Hawthorne?
Hailing from Huntington, West Virginia, Braydon Hawthorne is a name every college basketball fan should know. Ranked as high as No. 48 overall by On3 and No. 71 by 247Sports, this four-star small forward is a rising star with a skill set that screams potential. At 6-foot-8 and 185 pounds, Hawthorne brings a rare blend of length, athleticism, and versatility to the court. According to 247Sports, he’s got “tremendous length and a very versatile skillset with a tough and competitive mindset.” Whether he’s scoring off the dribble, knocking down shots from deep, or battling on the boards, Hawthorne’s game is built for the modern era of basketball.
Hawthorne plays his high school ball at Huntington Prep, a powerhouse program known for producing elite talent. Fun fact: due to a unique arrangement, he attends Huntington High School for academics (the same school as UK legend Patrick Patterson!) while Huntington Prep handles his basketball development. It’s a bit complicated, but one thing’s clear—Hawthorne is a special talent with the tools to thrive at the next level.
Why Kentucky?
Kentucky basketball is synonymous with excellence, and under Coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats are building something special for the 2025-26 season. Pope’s high-octane, player-development-focused system is perfect for a versatile forward like Hawthorne. After reopening his recruitment following former West Virginia coach Darian DeVries’ move to Indiana, Hawthorne has caught the attention of blue-blood programs across the country. Kentucky, however, is making a strong push.
This Wednesday’s official visit to Lexington is a chance for Pope and his staff to showcase Rupp Arena, the passionate BBN fanbase, and a clear path for Hawthorne to shine. With recent additions like Croatian big man Andrija Jelavic and a stacked frontcourt, Kentucky is proving they’re all-in on building a championship-caliber roster. Could Hawthorne be the agile, dynamic wing to round out the class? Fans are hoping so!
What Hawthorne brings to the table
Let’s talk about what makes Braydon Hawthorne such a coveted recruit. Here’s a quick breakdown of his game:
Size and Length: At 6-foot-8 with a lanky frame, Hawthorne has the wingspan to disrupt passing lanes, block shots, and finish above the rim. He’s a matchup nightmare for smaller wings and guards.
Versatility: Hawthorne can score in multiple ways—off the dribble, in transition, or from beyond the arc. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates adds another dimension to his game.
Competitive Edge: Don’t let his lean frame fool you. 247Sports praises his “tough and competitive mindset,” noting that he doesn’t back down from anyone, whether it’s battling for rebounds or guarding multiple positions.
Upside: As a late bloomer, Hawthorne’s best basketball is still ahead of him. With Kentucky’s top-tier strength and conditioning program, he could add muscle and become a dominant force.
For a Kentucky team looking to blend size, skill, and toughness, Hawthorne checks all the boxes. Imagine him running the floor in Pope’s fast-paced system, stretching defenses with his shooting, and locking down opponents with his length. It’s a tantalizing thought for Wildcats fans!
The recruitment battle
Hawthorne’s recruitment is heating up, and Kentucky isn’t the only school vying for his commitment. After decommitting from West Virginia in March, he’s drawn interest from programs like Virginia Tech, Michigan, Indiana, Kansas State, Arizona State, Marquette, and more. He’s currently visiting West Virginia to meet with their new coaching staff, and there’s rumors of potential visits to Virginia Tech (where former WVU assistant Chester Frazier, a close connection of Hawthorne’s, now coaches) and Michigan.
Kentucky, however, has a unique edge. The Wildcats’ storied tradition, NBA pipeline, and passionate fanbase are hard to beat. Plus, Pope’s track record of developing versatile players could resonate with Hawthorne, who’s looking for a program to maximize his potential. Wednesday’s visit will be crucial—expect BBN to show up in full force to make him feel at home!
What’s next for Hawthorne and Kentucky?
This official visit is a pivotal moment for both Hawthorne and the Wildcats. For Kentucky, landing a player of Hawthorne’s caliber would be a major coup, and allowing him to really hone his craft before being asked to play 25 minutes a game. For Hawthorne, it’s a chance to see if Lexington is the right fit to launch his college career and beyond.
Fans should keep an eye on social media this week for updates. Will Hawthorne vibe with the BBN energy? Could a commitment be on the horizon? While he’s taking his time with the process, Kentucky’s full-court press could make a lasting impression and land BBN a rising 4 star forward.