ESPN 100 wing Braydon Hawthorne, one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 class, has officially committed to the Kentucky Wildcats. This announcement comes after a period of intense recruitment following his decommitment from West Virginia.

Recruitment Journey

Hawthorne initially signed with West Virginia last fall but decided to reopen his recruitment after head coach Darian DeVries left for Indiana. During this period, Hawthorne visited several top programs, including Kentucky, Duke, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech. However, it was Kentucky's head coach Mark Pope who made the strongest impression.

"When I decommitted from West Virginia, Mark Pope was the first head coach to call. That meant a lot," Hawthorne told ESPN. "Assistant coach Jason Hart has been recruiting me for a long time, and the entire staff has been wonderful."

Skills and Potential

Standing at 6-foot-8, Hawthorne is a versatile player capable of playing both forward positions. His elite physical attributes, including a 7-3 wingspan, mobility, and athleticism, make him a formidable presence on both ends of the court. Hawthorne's senior season at Huntington Prep (West Virginia) was outstanding, propelling him into the ESPN 100 rankings at No. 81.

"His 7-3 wingspan and upside grab attention, and his production is catching up to his potential," said Huntington assistant coach Dustin Woody.

Impact on Kentucky

Hawthorne is the third ESPN 100 prospect in Kentucky's 2025 class, joining Jasper Johnson (No. 18) and Malachi Moreno (No. 25). His commitment is part of a broader strategy by Coach Pope to bring in a top-10 recruiting class and six transfers for the 2025-26 season.

"They see me as a versatile piece that can play multiple positions," Hawthorne said. "I know I have to earn my playing time, and I'm willing to work for it."

Looking Ahead

With Hawthorne's addition, Kentucky is poised to be a formidable contender in the NCAA basketball landscape. His potential NBA upside and versatile skill set make him a valuable asset for the Wildcats as they aim for championship glory.

For more updates on NCAA basketball and the latest recruiting news, stay tuned to ESPN.