Decision Day Incoming: Braydon Hawthorne to Announce Commitment Tuesday Night — Kentucky, Duke, Virginia Tech Among Finalists
“He hasn’t even told his parents yet…”
The Braydon Hawthorne sweepstakes are almost over — but not without one final twist. The dynamic 4-star guard out of North Carolina will make his long-awaited college commitment Tuesday night, and if you’re looking for clues, good luck. Hawthorne has gone radio silent, playing things so close to the chest that even his own family remains in the dark.
“I haven’t told anybody. Not even my parents,” Hawthorne posted on X.
That level of secrecy only adds to the intrigue surrounding one of the most unpredictable recruitments in the 2024–25 cycle. His finalists: Duke, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and a potential return to West Virginia, where he originally committed before reopening his recruitment following coaching changes.
A Long and Winding Recruitment
Hawthorne initially pledged his future to West Virginia under Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins, but Huggins’ abrupt exit and the subsequent hiring of Darian DeVries at Indiana created a ripple effect. That ripple sent Hawthorne back to the drawing board — and opened the floodgates for some of college basketball’s biggest programs to get involved.
Since then, Hawthorne has kept a tight circle, making few public comments and visiting schools largely under the radar. His game — a rare combination of length, fluidity, and court vision at 6-foot-5 — has made him a coveted late-cycle addition, especially for programs looking to solidify their backcourt.
Why Kentucky Is Still Watching
Mark Pope has already made waves since taking over in Lexington, hauling in an impressive mix of transfers and returning talent. The Kentucky backcourt is loaded, with names like Kerr Kriisa, Otega Oweh (if he returns), and potentially D.J. Wagner still on the roster. That makes the path to immediate playing time a bit murky.
Still, Pope’s fast-paced, NBA-style offense could be appealing to Hawthorne, and the opportunity to develop under the bright lights of Rupp Arena remains one of college basketball’s most powerful recruiting pitches. If Kentucky lands him, it would mark yet another statement from Pope in his first offseason — a message that the Wildcats aren’t going anywhere.
Duke and the Blueblood Factor
Then there’s Duke. The Blue Devils are always lurking in the recruiting shadows, and they’ve quietly built a pitch that few can match: elite development, national exposure, and an NBA pipeline that speaks for itself. With Jon Scheyer continuing to solidify his post-Krzyzewski foundation, the addition of Hawthorne would fit perfectly alongside Duke’s vision of versatile, positionless basketball.
But minutes may not be guaranteed there either, and with other five-stars already committed or returning, Hawthorne may have to weigh the cost of joining another crowded backcourt.
Virginia Tech Could Be the Wildcard
Don’t sleep on Virginia Tech. What the Hokies lack in prestige, they make up for in personal connection. Chester Frazier, a former West Virginia assistant who originally recruited Hawthorne to Morgantown, is now on staff in Blacksburg. That bond might just be the most compelling factor in the entire recruitment.
Virginia Tech also offers a clearer path to playing time and a system that could let Hawthorne be the featured star early in his college career.
Pitt and WVU: Familiarity vs. Fresh Start
Pittsburgh is another intriguing option. The Panthers have made steady progress under Jeff Capel, and Hawthorne would likely be a key contributor from day one. It’s not the flashiest destination, but it’s a solid basketball environment where he could thrive.
As for a return to West Virginia, that door remains slightly ajar. While the coaching staff has changed, the relationships and the familiarity with the program could be enough to tempt him back — especially if NIL conversations go well. Still, it’s hard to tell how much loyalty remains after so much turnover.
What’s Next?
Braydon Hawthorne is a rare breed of recruit — highly skilled, deeply competitive, and fiercely private. No leaks. No interviews. No clear favorites. Just anticipation.
His decision could shift the outlook for whichever program he chooses, and college basketball fans across the country will be glued to their screens Tuesday night.
Will it be a blueblood like Kentucky or Duke? A homecoming to WVU? Or a personal connection at Virginia Tech?
Only one person knows the answer. And he’s not talking — not even to Mom and Dad.
Stay locked in. Decision Day is almost here.
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