Massive Announcement: 2025 4-Star Shooting Guard Braydon Hawthorne Makes Decision to Join Kentucky Wildcats via Social Media After Decommitting from West Virginia
In a shocking turn of events on the recruiting trail, four-star shooting guard Braydon Hawthorne has announced his commitment to the Kentucky Wildcats, just weeks after decommitting from West Virginia. The 6’5” sharpshooter from Indianapolis, Indiana, made the announcement via social media, where he expressed his excitement about playing under Kentucky head coach Mark Pope.
“Dreams do come true! I’m excited to announce that I will be committing to the University of Kentucky! Thank you to all my coaches, family, and everyone who supported me through this journey. BBN, let’s do this!” Hawthorne posted.
His decision comes after a whirlwind recruiting process that initially saw him pledge to West Virginia under former head coach Josh Eilert. However, after evaluating his options and considering the changes in Morgantown, Hawthorne reopened his recruitment in late March. It didn’t take long for top programs to come calling, but Kentucky quickly emerged as the favorite.
A Perfect Fit for Mark Pope’s Vision
With the Wildcats ushering in a new era under Pope, landing a player of Hawthorne’s caliber is a significant win. Pope, a former Kentucky player himself, has emphasized a modern, high-tempo offense centered around skilled shooters and versatile athletes—qualities that Hawthorne possesses in abundance.
Hawthorne, ranked as a top-50 prospect nationally, is known for his ability to score at all three levels. His smooth shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and defensive versatility make him an ideal fit for Pope’s system. He averaged 22.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game during his senior season, showcasing his all-around game.
In an interview shortly after his commitment, Hawthorne explained his choice:
“Kentucky has always been a dream school for me. Playing under Coach Pope, who understands what it means to wear that jersey, is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The vision he has for this program is special, and I want to be part of bringing Kentucky back to the top.”
What This Means for Kentucky’s 2025 Class
Hawthorne joins an already strong 2025 recruiting class for Kentucky, solidifying their backcourt with a proven scorer. His ability to play both shooting guard and small forward provides Pope with much-needed flexibility. With recent transfers and commitments bolstering the roster, the Wildcats are shaping up to be a formidable team heading into the 2025-26 season.
For Kentucky fans, this commitment is a major statement. After missing the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and undergoing a coaching change, the Wildcats are eager to return to national prominence. Hawthorne’s decision signals that Pope and his staff can recruit at a high level, even in an era dominated by NIL deals and the transfer portal.
A Tough Loss for West Virginia
While this is a huge gain for Kentucky, it’s undoubtedly a tough loss for West Virginia. The Mountaineers had high hopes for Hawthorne to be a centerpiece of their 2025 recruiting class. His decommitment is part of a larger trend of uncertainty surrounding the program following coaching changes.
Still, for Hawthorne, the decision was about finding the best fit. And now, he’s ready to chase his dreams in Lexington, wearing the blue and white of the Kentucky Wildcats.
