Wildcats secure top-50 small forward to cap off their 2025 class
The Kentucky Wildcats have added another major piece to their 2025 recruiting class. On Tuesday, 4-star small forward Braydon Hawthorne announced his commitment to Kentucky during a ceremony streamed by 247 Sports.
Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8, 175-pound wing from Beckley, West Virginia, is ranked No. 33 in the 2025 class by 247 Sports, No. 35 by On3, and No. 81 by ESPN. Though unranked by Rivals, he remains a consensus 4-star prospect.
Originally committed to West Virginia, Hawthorne reopened his recruitment and evaluated several high-major programs. After visits and careful consideration, he chose the Wildcats over his other finalists: Duke, Pitt, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.
Hawthorne visited Lexington in mid-April and quickly became a priority for new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. Virginia Tech made a late push, but in the end, Kentucky’s efforts sealed the deal.
He now joins an impressive 2025 class that already features high 4-star recruits Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.
Scouting Report
On3’s Jamie Shaw describes Hawthorne as a unique and promising late-bloomer:
“Braydon Hawthorne is someone already making an impact nationally, but his best basketball is clearly still ahead of him. He’s got legit wing skills at 6-foot-8, can create off the dribble in the half-court, and while he needs to add strength, his length and instincts give him an edge.”
A Childhood Dream Realized
Hawthorne has long been a Kentucky fan, and now he’ll get the chance to wear the blue and white for real. With his commitment, the Wildcats continue building a strong foundation for the future under Coach Pope.
