(BCSNN) — Four-star forward Braydon Hawthorne, one of the top remaining recruits in the 2025 class, has committed to Kentucky after previously pledging to West Virginia. The Huntington, West Virginia, native made his announcement Tuesday, choosing the Wildcats over Duke, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, and his home-state Mountaineers.

"When I decommitted from West Virginia when there was a coaching change, Mark Pope was the first head coach to call. That meant a lot," Hawthorne said in a statement. "Jason Hart's been recruiting me for a long time and the entire staff has been wonderful."

Hawthorne, ranked No. 33 overall in the 2025 class by 247Sports, initially signed with West Virginia before reopening his recruitment following the departure of head coach Darian DeVries. His commitment marks another key addition for Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who has aggressively rebuilt the Wildcats' roster through both high school recruiting and the transfer portal.

Expectations are high for Hawthorne, who brings a unique skill set to Kentucky. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he has the ability to stretch the floor, create off the dribble, and defend multiple positions. While he may need time to develop physically, his competitive edge and high basketball IQ make him a promising long-term prospect for the Wildcats.

With Hawthorne’s commitment, Kentucky now boasts the 11th-ranked recruiting class in the 2025 cycle. His arrival adds depth to a roster that has undergone significant changes under Pope, as the Wildcats aim to build on their Sweet 16 appearance last season and contend for a national championship.