Good morning, BBN!
It’s a fantastic day for the Kentucky Wildcats!
Last night, Mark Pope landed another impressive recruit, strengthening his incoming freshman class with 4-star wing Braydon Hawthorne.
Braydon, who hails from Huntington, West Virginia, chose Kentucky over a final list that included Duke, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.
Hawthorne measures 6-foot-8 with a remarkable 7-foot-3 wingspan and brings versatility to the floor, capable of filling multiple roles for the Wildcats. He’s currently ranked No. 33 overall and is the 10th-best small forward in the 2025 recruiting class.
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While it’s still unclear how roles will shake out next season, his addition further strengthens an already deep and talented roster under Mark Pope and his staff.
Here’s what Hawthorne had to say about his decision to join Kentucky:
“I have a great relationship with Coach Pope and the staff. We have had many conversations about basketball and life. I have been a lifelong Kentucky fan. This means everything to me.”
Looking forward to seeing how his journey unfolds in Lexington!