In today’s college basketball world, where the Transfer Portal rules and redshirting has nearly disappeared, Kentucky freshman Braydon Hawthorne finds himself at the center of a rare — and crucial — roster decision. Mark Pope revealed this week that the staff is actively discussing whether to play the explosive 6-foot-8 freshman or save a year of eligibility for a season when he can truly change games.
“We’re having these ongoing conversations with our whole staff and his whole team,” Pope said. “The interesting thing about redshirt is, once you burn it for one second, you can’t get it back.”
A High-Value Talent in a Packed Depth Chart
Hawthorne wasn’t recruited to sit. Ranked No. 33 nationally with elite length and a modern skillset, he was expected to compete immediately. But Kentucky’s depth this year is a different kind of challenge:
The Wildcats are already locked into a tight 9–10 man rotation.
The wings are loaded with veterans — Denzel Aberdeen, Otega Oweh, Kam Williams, and Collin Chandler.
Using up Hawthorne’s freshman year for only a few minutes of late-game action would be wasteful.
He’s good enough to play — there just aren’t minutes available.
Pope Is Playing the Long Game
“We’re just trying to make sure that’s the direction we want to go,” Pope added.
If Hawthorne agrees to redshirt, it could give Kentucky a major long-term advantage. A full year in the weight room, learning the system, and developing without pressure could set him up to become a future breakout star.
A Patience Play in a Win-Now World
Fans want results today, but this decision is about tomorrow. And for a player with Hawthorne’s upside, a redshirt year might be the move that unlocks everything Kentucky hopes he can become.
