College Basketball
Braydon Hawthorne Recruitment: Duke in Control After Official Visit, Kentucky Set to Miss Out
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Get to know David Evans betterPublished06 May 2025
Braydon Hawthorne may not be uncommitted for much longer. The 6’8″ wing from Huntington Prep wrapped up an official visit to Duke on Sunday, May 4, and by all s, it went extremely well. Sources close to the situation say the visit was “great” and that it’s now “almost a done deal” between Hawthorne and the Blue Devils.
Hawthorne shared photos from the trip on May 6, wearing Duke gear and posing inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. The post only fueled speculation that his recruitment is coming to a close.
Had a great official visit at Duke University! #gobluedevils?? pic.twitter.com/2dSTfC1pI8
— Braydon Hawthorne (@BraydonH20) May 6, 2025
Is Duke the Favorite to Land Braydon Hawthorne?
Yes—and it’s not particularly close anymore. Kentucky had been considered a serious contender after hosting him for a visit in April, but multiple sources say they’re now out of the race. That leaves Duke in the driver’s seat, with Pitt and Virginia Tech trailing behind.
Hawthorne decommitted from West Virginia in March following Darian DeVries’ move to Indiana. Since then, his stock has taken off. At 6’8” with a 7’2” wingspan, Hawthorne fits the mold of the modern, switchable wing every high-major program is after.
What Braydon Hawthorne Would Bring to Duke Basketball
Hawthorne is raw but toolsy. He handles the ball well for his size, is fluid in transition, and uses his length effectively on defense. His shot is still developing, and he needs to add strength, but the upside is real.
Duke already has a strong 2025 class with commitments from five-star forwards Cameron and Cayden Boozer and four-star Nikolas Khamenia. Hawthorne would likely fill one of three remaining scholarship spots and add wing depth to a roster that needs perimeter defense and length.
When Will Braydon Hawthorne Announce His Commitment?
No date has been announced yet, but signs point to a decision coming soon. With his visits wrapped up and Duke pushing hard, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a commitment came within the next week or two.
Unless something changes, expect Hawthorne in a Duke uniform next season.
