There are now four players in the Kentucky basketball recruiting class for 2025. Braydon Hawthorne pledged allegiance to the Kentucky Wildcats and Mark Pope.

The University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball program has secured a significant addition to its 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of four-star small forward Braydon Hawthorne. This commitment brings the total number of recruits in the class to four, marking a promising start to Coach Mark Pope’s tenure.

Braydon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8, 175-pound wing from Beckley, West Virginia, is a standout player known for his versatility and athleticism. He plays for Huntington Prep, a program renowned for developing elite basketball talent. Hawthorne’s skill set includes a strong shooting ability, impressive length with a 7’3″ wingspan, and a competitive mindset that allows him to guard multiple positions effectively .(A Sea Of Blue, Wildcat Blue Nation, A Sea Of Blue)

Ranked No. 35 nationally by On3 and No. 33 by 247Sports, Hawthorne’s commitment is a significant win for Kentucky, especially considering he chose the Wildcats over other prominent programs like Duke, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia .(Wildcat Blue Nation)

Hawthorne’s decision to join Kentucky is deeply personal. A lifelong fan of the Wildcats, he shared a childhood photo on social media with the caption, “When childhood dreams become REALITY,” highlighting his longstanding aspiration to play for Kentucky . His connection to the program and its history played a pivotal role in his commitment.(eplsports365.com, A Sea Of Blue)

The relationship he built with Coach Mark Pope and assistant coach Jason Hart was instrumental in his decision. Hawthorne praised their genuine interest in his development both on and off the court, stating that conversations about basketball and life with the coaching team deeply resonated with him .(Wildcat Blue Nation, A Sea Of Blue)

With Hawthorne’s commitment, Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class now includes:

Malachi Moreno: A five-star center from Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky. Ranked No. 24 nationally, Moreno was the first to commit to Kentucky’s 2025 class, citing Coach Pope’s emphasis on family and personal development as key factors in his decision .(Kentucky)
Jasper Johnson: A four-star shooting guard known for his scoring ability and versatility. Johnson is ranked No. 36 nationally and chose Kentucky for its up-tempo offense and the opportunity to develop under Coach Pope’s system .(eplsports365.com)
Braydon Hawthorne: The latest addition, bringing size, shooting, and defensive prowess to the wing position.

This trio forms a strong foundation for Kentucky’s future, blending size, skill, and athleticism.

Since taking over the program, Coach Mark Pope has emphasized building strong relationships with recruits and focusing on player development. His approach has resonated with players and their families, as evidenced by the commitments of Moreno, Johnson, and Hawthorne.(A Sea Of Blue)

Pope’s vision for the team includes a high-tempo offense that prioritizes ball movement and shooting, aiming to attempt 35 three-pointers per game . This style of play appeals to versatile players like Hawthorne, who can thrive in a system that leverages their multifaceted skill sets.(Kentucky)

With a strong recruiting class and a clear vision for the program, Kentucky is poised to reestablish itself as a powerhouse in college basketball. The addition of Braydon Hawthorne not only strengthens the team’s roster but also signals a new era under Coach Mark Pope, characterized by strategic recruiting and a commitment to player growth.

As the Wildcats prepare for the upcoming seasons, fans can look forward to a dynamic team that blends tradition with a modern approach to the game.