Braydon Hawthorne, Four-Star 2025 Forward and Late Duke Target, Set to Announce Commitment on Tuesday.
As the college basketball recruiting world continues to buzz with activity, one of the most intriguing storylines in the 2025 class revolves around Braydon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-8 forward from Huntington Prep School in West Virginia. Hawthorne, a four-star recruit, is a late target for some of the top programs in the nation, including Duke University. His highly anticipated commitment announcement on Tuesday has been the talk of the recruiting circuit, with college basketball fans and analysts speculating about which powerhouse will land this talented forward.
Ranked as the 33rd best player in the 2025 class by 247Sports, Hawthorne has emerged as one of the top remaining recruits for this cycle. With just days to go before he reveals his decision, the race to sign him has intensified, particularly after his decommitment from West Virginia earlier in the year. Hawthorne’s recruitment has been a fascinating journey, filled with twists, turns, and a flurry of visits to top schools. Now, as the clock ticks down to his commitment, all eyes are on his final decision.
The Recruitment Journey: A Rollercoaster Ride
Braydon Hawthorne’s recruitment didn’t always look like it would reach this point. Initially, Hawthorne committed to play for West Virginia, a program that had invested heavily in recruiting him. He had developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff, and everything seemed set for a long-term commitment to the Mountaineers. However, in March, after much deliberation, Hawthorne decided to decommit from West Virginia, opening the door for other programs to pursue him.
This decision shocked some observers, but it also gave top programs the opportunity to swoop in and make a strong push. With his versatility, athleticism, and skill set, Hawthorne quickly became one of the most coveted players on the recruiting trail. His decision to decommit was influenced by multiple factors, including changes in the coaching staff at West Virginia, as well as his desire to find a program where he felt he could grow and develop at the highest level.
Hawthorne’s decommitment opened up a wide range of possibilities for him, and it didn’t take long for the offers to start pouring in. Programs like Kentucky, Duke, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and several others began to express their interest in the talented forward. Hawthorne took official visits to many of these schools, and it became clear that he was no longer tied to his original commitment. Now, as the announcement draws near, the final decision is anyone’s guess.
The Finalists: A Competitive Race for Hawthorne’s Commitment
As Braydon Hawthorne prepares to announce his decision on Tuesday, he has narrowed his list of potential schools down to five finalists: Duke, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and a potential return to West Virginia. Each of these programs has a compelling case for why they should land the four-star forward, but it is expected that Hawthorne’s final decision will come down to a few key factors.
Duke: The Late Contender with a Strong Push
Duke, one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball, has entered the recruitment picture as a late contender. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have expressed strong interest in Hawthorne, and his official visit to Durham was seen as a critical moment in the recruitment process. During the visit, Hawthorne was able to experience firsthand what it would be like to play for the Blue Devils, and he spoke highly of his experience in interviews after the trip.
Duke’s appeal lies in its tradition of developing elite talent, its high-profile coaching staff, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college basketball. While Duke’s roster for the 2025 season is already shaping up with a talented group of players, there is always room for another top-tier recruit, especially one with Hawthorne’s potential. The Blue Devils have had success in recent years with versatile forwards, and Hawthorne could easily fit into their system. His ability to play both inside and on the perimeter would make him a perfect addition to a program that values positional flexibility.
Kentucky: The Traditional Powerhouse
Kentucky is another program that has shown heavy interest in Hawthorne. Known for consistently landing top-tier recruits, the Wildcats have made a push to add the versatile forward to their class. Coach John Calipari’s program has a storied history of developing NBA talent, and Hawthorne could see Kentucky as the perfect platform to showcase his skills on the national stage.
However, Kentucky’s roster situation is a bit more complicated. The Wildcats are currently working with a full roster, and there may be questions about playing time and immediate impact. Nevertheless, Kentucky’s allure is undeniable. The chance to play under Calipari, who has produced countless NBA stars, is a major draw for recruits. If Hawthorne values exposure and development under one of the best coaches in college basketball, Kentucky could be a strong option.
Virginia Tech: The Program with Familiarity
Virginia Tech is another school that could have an edge in the recruitment of Braydon Hawthorne. Assistant coach Chester Frazier, who was instrumental in recruiting Hawthorne to West Virginia, has since moved to Virginia Tech, and his familiarity with Hawthorne’s game could play a crucial role in the recruitment process. Frazier’s relationship with Hawthorne has been a key factor in the forward’s interest in Virginia Tech.
While the Hokies are not typically seen as a perennial powerhouse like Duke or Kentucky, they have been successful in recent years and have developed a reputation for nurturing talent. Under head coach Mike Young, Virginia Tech has steadily improved and has made strides in recruiting. The opportunity to play for a program with strong coaching and a focus on player development could be appealing to Hawthorne.
Pittsburgh: A Team on the Rise
Pittsburgh is another program that has made a serious push to land Hawthorne. The Panthers, who have had their fair share of success in recent seasons, have been actively recruiting the forward, and his official visit to the school was well-received. While Pitt may not have the same level of historical success as some of the other programs, they offer a chance for immediate playing time and the opportunity to be a key player in the program’s future.
Pittsburgh’s pitch to Hawthorne revolves around the chance to contribute early and help elevate the program to new heights. For a player like Hawthorne, who is focused on making an immediate impact, Pitt could be an enticing option.
West Virginia: A Potential Return
Although Hawthorne decommitted from West Virginia, the Mountaineers are still in the mix for his services. The program’s new coaching staff has made efforts to reconnect with the forward, and there is a possibility that he could return to Morgantown. However, given the changes at the program and the intense competition from other schools, West Virginia faces an uphill battle in securing Hawthorne’s commitment.
What Braydon Hawthorne Brings to the Table
Braydon Hawthorne is a versatile forward who has the tools to contribute at multiple positions. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he has the physical attributes to play both on the perimeter and in the paint. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and attack the basket with his athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Hawthorne’s basketball IQ is another one of his standout qualities. He has an innate understanding of the game and plays with poise and maturity beyond his years. Whether he’s setting up his teammates or finding open spaces on the court, Hawthorne’s awareness and decision-making make him an ideal fit for any program that values high-level basketball IQ.
Defensively, Hawthorne has the tools to be a disruptive force. His length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, and he is a capable shot blocker and rebounder. His defensive versatility would make him an asset for any program looking to strengthen its defense.
The Final Countdown
With Braydon Hawthorne’s commitment announcement just around the corner, the basketball world is eagerly awaiting his decision. Will he choose Duke and join the Blue Devils’ storied program? Or will he opt for the tradition and development of Kentucky? Could Virginia Tech’s familiarity with the forward win out, or will Pitt provide the best opportunity for immediate playing time? Or is there still a chance he returns to West Virginia?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Braydon Hawthorne is one of the most talented and sought-after recruits in the 2025 class, and his decision will have a major impact on the college basketball landscape.
