The Kentucky Wildcats continue to build one of the most impressive 2025 basketball recruiting classes in the nation, securing yet another top-tier talent with the commitment of small forward Braydon Hawthorne. The 6-foot-7 wing out of Montverde Academy officially pledged his allegiance to the Wildcats on Thursday afternoon, becoming the fourth member of a class that’s shaping up to return Kentucky to the forefront of college basketball’s elite.
Hawthorne, ranked as the No. 19 overall player and the No. 5 small forward in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite, selected Kentucky over offers from Kansas, Alabama, Baylor, and UConn. His decision comes after a whirlwind spring recruiting circuit where his stock surged thanks to his explosive athleticism, versatile scoring ability, and defensive intensity that mirrors the DNA of a classic John Calipari player.
For Kentucky, Hawthorne is more than just another blue-chip name on the commitment list—he’s a potential game-changer. A hybrid forward with an NBA-ready frame, Hawthorne brings a rare combination of skill, power, and poise that few players his age can match. His ability to score at all three levels, along with his unselfish nature and leadership qualities, make him an ideal fit for a Wildcats roster that is increasingly focused on blending star talent with winning intangibles.
“I just felt like Kentucky was the right place for me,” Hawthorne said in a statement following his announcement. “Coach Cal and the staff showed me how I’d be used, how I could develop there, and what it means to be part of Big Blue Nation. I’ve always dreamed of playing on that stage.”
Hawthorne joins a class that already includes point guard Jayden Morrow (No. 7 overall), power forward Elijah Rutherford (No. 12), and combo guard Marcus Glenn (No. 25). Together, they form a top-three national recruiting class that puts Kentucky firmly back in the national title conversation, even before the 2025 class steps foot on campus.
Calipari, known for his relentless recruiting and ability to mold elite prospects into NBA-ready talent, has made it clear that he wants to return to the dominant formula that powered Kentucky’s success in the early 2010s. That means loading up on players who are not only physically gifted but also possess the character, competitiveness, and team-first mentality needed to chase championships. Hawthorne fits that mold to perfection.
In his junior season at Montverde, Hawthorne averaged 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game against some of the toughest prep competition in the country. His performances during the Nike EYBL circuit only solidified his reputation, including a 28-point, 11-rebound performance against Team Takeover that had scouts buzzing. Coaches around the country raved about his ability to create his own shot, defend multiple positions, and finish through contact.
Perhaps what stands out most about Hawthorne isn’t just his athleticism or scoring prowess—it’s his basketball IQ and commitment to improvement. He’s the kind of player who’s always in the gym, always watching film, always asking how he can get better. That mindset endeared him to Kentucky’s staff from the moment they began recruiting him.
“Braydon is a winner,” one Kentucky assistant said. “He’s the kind of guy who will do whatever it takes—guard the best player, make the extra pass, dive on the floor. But he also has star potential. He can be the guy.”
The fit between Hawthorne and Kentucky appears seamless. Calipari has a long track record of developing wings with Hawthorne’s profile, from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to Malik Monk to Keldon Johnson. With Kentucky potentially losing several upperclassmen and current freshmen to the NBA after the 2024-25 season, Hawthorne could step into a significant role as a freshman.
While it’s too early to project lineups or roles with any certainty, Hawthorne’s versatility gives Kentucky flexibility. He can play the two, three, or four depending on matchups, and his rebounding ability ensures he can stay on the court even when shots aren’t falling. Defensively, he has the lateral quickness and wingspan to guard multiple positions, something that will be crucial in Calipari’s defensive schemes.
Off the court, Hawthorne has already shown signs of leadership, reportedly playing an active role in helping recruit other top players to join him in Lexington. His charisma and confidence have made him a favorite among peers and coaches alike, and there’s growing belief that he could be one of the foundational pieces of Kentucky’s next great team.
For the Kentucky faithful, the addition of Hawthorne is yet another reason to be excited about the future. After a few seasons of inconsistent results and roster churn, Calipari seems to be reasserting his dominance on the recruiting trail with a class that blends skill, size, and swagger. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how things will unfold, it’s clear that Kentucky is once again assembling the kind of talent that can compete for Final Fours and national titles.
In the modern era of college basketball—where NIL deals, the transfer portal, and early NBA departures create constant uncertainty—landing a core group of highly-ranked, high-character players is invaluable. Hawthorne’s commitment signals not just another recruiting win, but a statement of intent: Kentucky is coming.
As Hawthorne prepares for his senior season and eventually makes the jump to Lexington, all eyes will be on his development and how he continues to mature as a player and leader. If the early signs are any indication, Kentucky fans have every reason to believe that Braydon Hawthorne will be a name they cheer for loudly in Rupp Arena—and one they remember long after he’s gone.
With four top-25 recruits now in the fold and several more targets still on the board, Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class may not be finished just yet. But even if it were, the Wildcats already have the foundation for something special. And Braydon Hawthorne might just be the piece that brings it all together.
