Duke Targets Four-Star Forward Braydon Hawthorne After Cooper Flagg Declares for NBA Draft

Duke Targets Four-Star Forward Braydon Hawthorne After Cooper Flagg Declares for NBA Draft

Just days after losing projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg to the 2025 NBA Draft, Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils are already on the hunt for their next big star—and they may have found one in four-star small forward Braydon Hawthorne.

According to a report from 247Sports’ Travis Branham, Duke recently made a quiet but calculated move, visiting Hawthorne at Huntington Prep. The 6-foot-8 wing, who reopened his recruitment in March after decommitting from West Virginia, has quickly become one of the most intriguing uncommitted prospects in the country.

Ranked No. 106 nationally in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 1 player in the state for the 2025 class, Hawthorne checks all the boxes of a modern college wing: size, athleticism, shooting, and defense. With a jaw-dropping 7-foot-2 wingspan, he’s known for his ability to stretch the floor, crash the glass, and block shots in transition—a toolset that would fit seamlessly into Duke’s system.

A Visit That Sends a Message

Hawthorne has recently drawn attention from top-tier programs like Virginia Tech and Kentucky, but Duke’s visit signals a heightened level of interest. Confirmed by Hawthorne’s father via X (formerly Twitter), the in-person meeting shows Scheyer’s staff is serious about adding another dynamic piece to a roster that has undergone significant change in the last two weeks.

With Flagg, 2025 ACC Tournament MVP Kon Knueppel, and Third-Team All-ACC guard Tyrese Proctor all declaring for the NBA Draft, Duke suddenly finds itself with multiple holes on the wing and perimeter. That’s where a player like Hawthorne could prove to be a valuable late-cycle addition.

Why Hawthorne Fits the Duke Mold

Hawthorne isn’t just a stopgap. He’s a versatile two-way player with the tools to develop into a high-impact starter at the high-major level. His outside shot continues to improve, and his length gives him the ability to switch defensively across multiple positions. In today’s game, where positionless basketball reigns supreme, Hawthorne’s blend of size and agility makes him a coveted asset.

Offensively, he’s comfortable operating on the wing, initiating fast breaks, and spotting up from deep. Defensively, he’s a nightmare in help situations, with the ability to disrupt passing lanes, challenge drives, and recover on closeouts.

The Bigger Picture for Duke

Scheyer’s 2025 recruiting class already includes marquee names like Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, and Nikolas Khamenia, giving the Blue Devils a strong foundation. But Hawthorne offers a different flavor—less polished perhaps, but with untapped potential and sky-high upside.

Coming off a dominant 2024–25 season where Duke finished 35-4 overall, 19-1 in ACC play, and reached the Final Four before falling to Houston 70-67, the Blue Devils are clearly aiming to reload, not rebuild. Their goal is another deep tournament run—and they need the right players to get there.

Jon Scheyer has already proven he’s capable of identifying and developing talent. The interest in Hawthorne suggests that Duke sees him not just as a reactionary pickup after Flagg’s departure, but as a strategic investment in their long-term vision.

As the recruiting battle heats up, one thing is certain: Duke isn’t backing down. They’re recalibrating—and Braydon Hawthorne might be next in line to wear the blue and white.

Stay tuned.