Every season, Kentucky basketball seems to uncover a hidden gem who transforms from overlooked recruit to household name. This year, that player just might be freshman Braydon Hawthorne.
Hawthorne’s rise to prominence has been anything but typical. Not long ago, he wasn’t even on the radar of most national recruiting services. For months, he was left unranked, overshadowed by bigger names in the 2025 class. But as his senior year rolled on, his performances spoke loudly enough to demand attention. Scouts quickly took notice, and Hawthorne vaulted up the rankings, eventually cracking the top 40 before committing to Kentucky.
Now, with his preseason photoshoot making the rounds and his first year in Lexington underway, Hawthorne is becoming one of the most talked-about newcomers in the SEC. And his head coach, Mark Pope, has already put some massive expectations on his shoulders.
“Hawthorne is a really unique player,” Pope said. “Build, body, skillset—there is a whole bunch of Tayshaun Prince in this kid, and I know those are big words.”
For long-time members of Big Blue Nation, that statement will raise eyebrows. Tayshaun Prince isn’t just any former Wildcat—he’s one of the program’s most iconic players. Known for his smooth lefty jumper, elite defense, and unforgettable performances (including the famous five straight threes against North Carolina in 2001), Prince carved out a legendary career at Kentucky before going on to win an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons.
So, what makes Pope see those same qualities in Hawthorne?
It starts with his frame. At 6’7” with long arms and natural athleticism, Hawthorne already looks the part of a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions. His game blends flashes of scoring ability with a defensive edge that coaches love to build around. Combine that with his late-blooming rise—similar to Prince’s underrated recruiting story—and the parallels become hard to ignore.
Beyond just his tools, though, Hawthorne brings a unique swagger and determination. The preseason photoshoot, released by UK Athletics, highlighted that mix of confidence and potential. Posing in Kentucky blue, wearing the No. 22 jersey, Hawthorne looked every bit like a player ready to make a name for himself on the biggest stage in college basketball.
Of course, with comparisons to a Kentucky legend comes pressure. Fans will be eager to see if Hawthorne can back up the hype when the season tips off. Can he become an instant contributor? Will he grow into one of the program’s foundational players under Pope? Those questions will only be answered with time.
But one thing is clear: Braydon Hawthorne is no longer overlooked. From unranked afterthought to top-40 recruit, he’s earned every bit of this moment. And if the Tayshaun Prince comparisons are any indication, Kentucky may have landed its next star in the making.
